By Allen Mitch Runes BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At a young age, many children are still exploring their interests, but for Erich Harmonie Navalta, of Barangay Ferdinand in Campo Sioco, dancesport has already become both a passion and a platform for achievement. Through determination, discipline, and hard work, Erich continues to shine as a promising young talent in the world of dancesport. Erich first started dancing at the age of six. What began as a simple passion soon developed into a competitive journey. By the time she turned seven, she had already begun joining competitions, stepping onto the dance floor with courage and determination despite her young age. Erich has collected numerous medals from various competitions, proving her dedication and growing talent. During the Cordillera Dance Festival, she earned an impressive three gold medals and three silver medals, showcasing her skill and commitment to the sport. She also competed in the Adivay Festival, held at the Benguet Sports Complex, where she proudly won three silver medals. Her talent also reached the national stage when she competed in a national dancesport competition in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, alongside her partner, Jhusryl King Jacob Zulueta. Competing against talented dancers from different places, the pair successfully placed 7th overall. In the Palarong Panlungsod, Erich continued to excel, bringing home two gold medals and one silver medal. Most recently, Erich and her partner achieved 3rd place at the Benguet Grand Slam, another milestone in her growing dancesport career. However, Erich’s journey to success was not always easy. She shared that she was once very shy and often doubted herself. Confidence did not come naturally at first, and there were moments when she questioned her abilities. But through perseverance and her growing passion for dancesport, she gradually gained confidence and learned to trust herself. Behind Erich’s success is a strong support system. With the guidance of her coach, Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano, along with the encouragement of her team, family, and friends, Erich found the motivation to keep improving and pushing herself to achieve more. Their support has played a meaningful role in helping her grow both as a dancer and as a person. Today, Erich is driven by her passion and hopes to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. Through her story, she hopes to show that success comes not only from talent but also from hard work, dedication, and believing in oneself. For those who wish to join dancesport, Erich has a simple message: “Don’t be afraid to try. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your passion.” Contact Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano at 0954-288-4174 if you are interested in joining the Dance Sport Team.    

By Thelma C. Bicarme   Coffee culture is steadily brewing across Quirino Province as cafés and coffee shops form a growing network that connects local farms directly to consumers’ cups. From community cafés to farm-linked enterprises, locally grown coffee is becoming an important part of the province’s tourism and economic landscape. This first installment of the series explores the emerging coffee trail in the municipalities of Diffun and Cabarroguis, highlighting cafés that serve not only as dining spaces but also as partners in supporting local coffee growers and cooperatives. Despite the summer heat, coffee remains a favorite beverage among residents and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed iced or freshly brewed, coffee continues to draw people into cafés that offer both comfort and a taste of Quirino’s local flavors. More than a lifestyle trend, the province’s coffee trail contributes to local economic activity. Many cafés source beans and processed coffee products from farmers and cooperatives within Quirino, creating a direct market for local produce and helping sustain farm-based livelihoods. In Diffun, cafés reflect a blend of modern coffee culture and locally rooted enterprise. DISADECO Breads & Coffee follows a farm-to-cup approach by sourcing coffee from local growers and roasting beans for in-house service alongside freshly baked products. HanY Patter Cafe offers a themed café experience featuring specialty coffee and dessert-inspired beverages, while Allmytea Food Services caters to both beverage and meal demand with coffee drinks, milk tea, and food offerings. Other coffee destinations in Diffun include Power Rock Café, a multi-branch establishment known for its coffee, cakes, and smoothies. Smaller but steadily patronized cafés such as Kape.milla serve flavored espresso drinks, while Zam’s Café has gained attention for its matcha and specialty beverages. Arteastic Brews Café combines coffee with meal selections, and Sip n’ Think provides students and young professionals with iced coffee and baked products in a campus-style setting. In Cabarroguis, cafés are commonly located along commercial centers and highway areas, making them accessible stops for travelers and residents. Q-Life Café offers a café-dining setup featuring coffee, pastries, pasta, and rice meals. Ta-ag Kafé serves flavored lattes and pastries, while Re’Casco’s Café operates as a compact coffee stop known for espresso-based drinks and bread products. Other cafés in the municipality include Crustea Café, which serves coffee, milk tea, and pizza variants; Café Han ATBP., recognized for its pastries and bread offerings; Espressiah Café, which combines espresso beverages with pasta and rice meals; Coffee Bros., a casual café serving brewed and iced drinks; and Tan-aw Café, which offers coffee and pastries in a relaxing setting. Across these establishments, cafés function as more than social and dining spaces. They are active participants in a local value chain where farmers supply raw and semi-processed coffee products, and cafés create consistent demand that helps circulate income back to agricultural communities. As Quirino strengthens its identity as an emerging coffee destination, tourists and visitors are encouraged to explore the province’s coffee trail as part of their summer travel experience. Whether choosing an iced coffee to beat the heat or a hot brewed cup that naturally cools the body through perspiration, visitors can enjoy refreshing beverages while discovering the unique flavors and hospitality of Quirino Province. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, Quirino) Photo courtesy of Tourism Quirino / Tan-aw Café

BENGUET, Philippines — In many highland communities, mothers begin their day before sunrise—preparing meals, caring for children, and keeping households running. For years, building a career often meant leaving home behind. Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), together with Aboitiz Foundation and social impact startup Connected Women, is helping change that through the Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program. In partnership with the Provincial Government of Benguet, the initiative trained 62 women in AI data annotation work that can be done entirely from home, giving mothers and caregivers access to flexible digital livelihood opportunities. The Benguet rollout follows the program’s successful implementation in Bukidnon, where participants—known as “Super Nanays”—showed that women can balance family life while building careers in the digital economy. Among the graduates is Novelyn Simon, a mother of three from Itogon, who now supervises a remote team for a US-based company from her home in Benguet. “I no longer have to choose between being a provider and being a mom,” Novelyn shared. “I can earn for my children and still be present for the moments that matter.” For Nadhyne Krystal Salda, who is expecting her third child, the program became a reminder that motherhood and professional growth can go together. “Elevate AIDA showed me that I can still grow professionally while raising my family,” she said. Another graduate, Melody Velasco, now works remotely as a Support Operative for a UK-based firm. “I never imagined I could work for a global company from Benguet,” Melody said. “The program gave me the skills and confidence to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach.” The 62 graduates are now part of Connected Women’s growing workforce network, which aims to expand digital job opportunities for women across the country. “We provide the platform, but the drive comes from the mothers who will do anything for their family’s future,” said Noreen Vicencio, Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “Programs like Elevate AIDA show us what becomes possible when women are given the right tools and the right opportunity. That is exactly why we continue to bring programs like this to more communities.” By joining the Connected Women workforce pool, these 62 graduates are now part of a bigger mission to bring digital opportunities to 300,000 women across the Philippines. It is a movement that proves a mother’s place isn’t just in the home or in the office—it can beautifully be in both at the same time.

APAYAO, Philippines — My family was once a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps). Today, I, Beverly Bali, from Barangay San Gregorio, Luna in the province of Apayao, stand proud as one of the 4Ps staff, as a Social Welfare Assistant in Pudtol, Apayao, serving families who walk the same difficult path we once traveled. Back then, we were living in a small, fragile hut deep in the mountains, close to our farm. Farming was our only source of livelihood. We were six siblings, and life was a daily struggle. Our little hut was far from the comforts of the town. On weekends, we helped plant rice under the scorching sun since we practiced slash-and-burn farming. Sometimes, we also gathered vegetables to sell for extra expenses. During weekdays, to get to school, we had to cross several rivers, battling nature’s obstacles just for a chance at education. In 2013, we were registered as 4Ps beneficiaries. At first, I did not understand the program’s conditions, especially the Family Development Sessions (FDS). I saw them as an added burden, something extra to bear. But as days turned into months, I realized that the FDS was a lifeline. It taught us how to care for each other, the priceless value of education and health, and how to become responsible parents and proud members of our community. The financial help we received was not much, but for a family as modest as ours, it was a blessing. It eased our daily hardships and gave us hope. The education grants we received were shared among us siblings as allowances while I was in college, small amounts that made a big difference. Now, as part of the 4Ps team, I carry a deep sense of honor and responsibility to serve families who are enduring the same hardships my family once faced. I understand their challenges deeply because I have lived it. I am living proof that 4Ps is more than just temporary aid. It is a beacon of hope, a doorway to new opportunities, a chance for a better tomorrow. My family’s rise from hardship is a testament to that truth. The program became our bridge out of poverty and now, I am ready to be that bridge for others. From the depths of my heart, thank you, 4Ps, for lighting the way when all seemed dark. Because of you, I stand strong today, ready to help others find their own light.      

MANILA, Philippines — Learning center Kid’s First Discovery Space (KFDS) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a meaningful gathering at the Museo Pambata, bringing together families and alumni for a day of joyful learning, reconnection, and giving back. More than a milestone event, the celebration reflected the heart of KFDS’s 20-year journey—creating spaces where children learn through play, families grow in community, and every small win is recognized. In the spirit of “Play it Forward,” proceeds from the event benefited Kythe Foundation, extending the occasion’s impact to children with chronic illnesses and their families. “At Kid’s First Discovery Space, we celebrate every win of every child in class. There’s no such thing as a small victory, and we make sure each one is recognized. As we mark our 20th year, we’re turning our gratitude outward by sharing this milestone with children who need hope, care, and opportunity the most,” said Kid’s First Founder and Educational Administrator Vanessa Morales-Balquiedra. Two decades of child-centered learning in the Philippines Founded in 2005, KFDS was created to give young children a safe and welcoming place to learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Rooted in progressive early childhood education, it has always believed in nurturing each child’s curiosity, individuality, and growth. Over the past two decades, KFDS has evolved from a preschool into a broader support system for children and families. Today, it offers the following: *Early childhood intervention program for neurodivergent learners and children with additional developmental needs *Occupational and speech therapy services *Integrated playgroups *Music classes for toddlers and parents *Other offerings that encourage connection, joyful learning, and development from an early age A new chapter began for KFDS when it found a home at The Palms Country Club in Muntinlupa City, where children and families could once again learn, play, and grow together in a safe and nurturing environment after the challenges of the pandemic. Although 20 years may not be considered a traditional milestone like a 25th or 50th anniversary, Kid’s First Discovery Space saw it as the right moment to pause and celebrate. With everything happening in the world today, the occasion became an opportunity to choose joy, honor its journey, and share hope with the wider community. A celebration with purpose KFDS families, alumni, and friends explore interactive exhibits such as Karagatan, Pamayanan, and Kalikasan, along with other hands-on activities at Museo Pambata. The anniversary event gave current families, alumni, and friends of KFDS the chance to reconnect through guided museum activities, interactive play experiences, and shared moments that honored the school’s long-standing values of curiosity, inclusion, and compassion. More importantly, it transformed the celebration into a meaningful way to give back, supporting a cause that brings comfort and care to children in need. “There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and over the past two decades, we have felt that we are part of that village. We are grateful to the parents and families who have trusted us with their children through the years and look forward to serving more,” said Balquiedra. As KFDS looks beyond its 20th anniversary, the organization is committed to pushing forward a more progressive approach to early childhood education—one that is inclusive, thoughtful, and responsive to the diverse needs of children and families. Among its future plans are the return of training programs for daycare workers and the expansion of early childhood intervention support across more learning communities. Families interested in enrolling in Kid’s First Discovery Space programs or learning more about its early childhood education and intervention offerings may contact 0917-833-8983 or 0917-847-1977, or email kidsfirsteci@gmail.com. For updates, announcements, and inquiries, visit KFDS on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has been recognized as Best Employer Brand at the 2026 LinkedIn Talent Awards—marking its third consecutive win in the category for organizations with 5,000 to 10,000 employees. The annual awards recognize organizations that excel in attracting, engaging, and developing talent, highlighting those that build meaningful and lasting connections with their workforce. This recognition reflects CEB’s continued focus on building a strong employer brand through authentic storytelling, consistent engagement, and a clear articulation of its culture and values. “As we mark 30 years of Cebu Pacific, we’re clear on one thing: an employer brand isn’t built through campaigns—it’s built through everyday experiences. When people are proud to work here and proud to tell others why, that’s when you know you’re getting it right,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. “At Cebu Pacific, our people don’t just work here—they build communities here. That sense of belonging is something you can’t manufacture, and we choose to nurture it every day.” At the core of this approach is CEB University, the airline’s in-house learning ecosystem. With eight specialized schools, it enables employees to continuously build skills, deepen expertise, and pursue defined career pathways across different functions and leadership levels. Another key part of its culture is the presence of 16 Juan CEB Communities (JCC)—self-organized, employee-led groups centered on shared interests and advocacies. These communities foster connection, inclusion, and purpose across the organization. One example is EmpowHER, which champions the growth and advancement of women through mentorship, collaboration, and leadership opportunities. CEB is also deepening its contribution to nation-building through its Juan Flight Closer to Home program, launched in May 2025. The initiative aims to encourage overseas Filipino aviation professionals to return home and continue their careers in the Philippines, bringing back global expertise while reconnecting with family and community. By opening pathways for Filipino talent abroad, the airline is helping strengthen the local aviation industry. CEB operates flights to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, and continues to invest in its people as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy.

Recognized as the Organization of the Year, SM Supermalls won 30 awards across diverse categories SM Supermalls continues to raise the bar for customer excellence after being named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious programs recognizing innovation in business. The win marks the second time SM Supermalls has received the prestigious honor, earning a total of 52 award points across Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie recognitions. The achievement highlights the company’s sustained commitment to delivering meaningful, innovative, and customer-first experiences across its most-loved malls. “On behalf of SM Supermalls in the Philippines and China, we would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for this honor. This is a testament to how we continue to evolve and innovate to deliver a truly maxed-out experience for our customers,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin, who accepted the recognition. “We dedicate this to the millions of our customers back home, as well as to our tenant partners and employees who make these experiences possible.” Driving Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship  SM Supermalls continues to embed sustainability into its core operations through impactful initiatives such as SM Green Movement, International Coastal Cleanup 2025, Powered by the Sun, and Save Water. These programs highlight the company’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility—encouraging everyday action while building greener, more resilient communities, especially in times of crisis. Championing Social Good and Inclusive Communities  Beyond environmental efforts, purpose-driven initiatives remain at the heart of SM Supermalls’ mission. Programs like Mall for All, Empowering Communities, Empowering Together, and SM Job Fairs create meaningful opportunities for Filipinos, while Movies for the Blind ensures that mall experiences are inclusive and accessible to all. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ role as a space where communities come together and where everyone can truly Gala To The Max. Celebrating Local Arts, Culture, and Creativity SM Supermalls continues to bring culture and creativity closer to communities through initiatives such as Mindanao Art, Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, Konnichiwa Japan, Animezing North, and Art from All. These programs transform mall spaces into vibrant cultural destinations—where stories are shared, traditions are celebrated, and creativity thrives across your most-loved SM Supermalls. Empowering Youth and Strengthening Family Connections Creating spaces for young talents and families to grow remains a key focus. Initiatives like SM Super Spelling Bee, SM Little Stars, and Besties of Joy provide platforms that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Through these programs, SM Supermalls continues to nurture the next generation while strengthening family bonds—making every visit a chance to enjoy a maxed-out experience together. Expanding Destinations and Elevating Experiences  SM Supermalls’ continuous growth is anchored in thoughtful, community-driven development. The recognition of SM City Laoag and SM City La Union’s Opening in 2025 highlights the company’s continued expansion across the country. Meanwhile, initiatives such as SM City La Union’s Translating Local Identity into Purpose-led Brand Experience and its Mallseum showcase how each development reflects the unique identity and heritage of its locale. From large-scale spectacles to everyday engagement, SM Supermalls continues to redefine the malling experience. Crowd-favorite activations such as SM Active Hub, Pride Pheerayde, and SM Mall of Asia Night of Lights bring communities together through dynamic and immersive events. These experiences embody the brand’s commitment to creating moments that go beyond shopping—inviting everyone to Gala To The Max in every visit. Extending Innovation Across SM China Beyond the Philippines, SM Supermalls’ excellence is mirrored in its China portfolio through locally resonant, highly engaging campaigns. Initiatives such as SM City Zibo: Let’s Wave, SM City Tianjin: Three Color Sports 6.0, and SM City Yangzhou: Mango Vibes Only highlight the brand’s ability to create vibrant, lifestyle-driven experiences tailored to diverse communities. .Seasonal and cultural storytelling also took center stage with SM City Xiamen: Chinese New Year with Songxi Woodblock Prints and SM City Chengdu: The Frog Prince, blending tradition and creativity to deliver immersive mall experiences. Meanwhile, SM City Jinjiang: Bean There, Beat That Stress! showcases innovative wellness-driven engagement, while SM Haicang: Grand Opening reflects the continued expansion and growing footprint of SM Supermalls in the region. Together, these initiatives underscore SM Supermalls’ strength as a regional brand—capable of delivering impactful, culturally relevant, and truly maxed-out experiences across markets.  

By Rachel Magday From Solano, Nueva Vizcaya to one of the highest posts in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Vice Admiral Genito Bagorio Basilio has built a career marked by discipline, reinvention, and a deep sense of service. Today, he stands at the pinnacle of his profession as Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Safety Services Command, one of the most vital leadership posts in the organization. In this role, he oversees a command that handles nearly 70 percent of the work of the PCG as the Coast Guard’s primary force provider. His rise is not only a personal milestone but also a point of pride for Nueva Vizcaya. So far, Basilio is the only Novo Vizcayano to have reached such a high position in the Philippine Coast Guard. 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙋𝙈𝘼 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙 After graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1996, Basilio initially chose the Philippine Navy. At that time, the Philippine Coast Guard was still under the Navy, and he was eventually assigned there. His original dream, however, was to join the Philippine Army. But life, as it often does, intervened. At the time, his wife Evangeline, also a Novo Vizcayano from Bayombong, was pregnant. She had one practical and deeply human concern: if he joined the Army, he might be sent to war and die in combat. With both humor and honesty, Basilio recalled his wife’s warning—that if that happened, it would be easy for her to remarry and for another man to be recognized as the father of their child. So he chose the Navy instead. 𝘼 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙇𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝘽𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 In 2003, Basilio came close to leaving the Philippine Coast Guard. At the time, he was wrestling with doubts about the value of his service and his future in uniform. Like many professionals seeking better opportunities, he began to look toward greener pastures abroad. He enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Nursing, completed the course, and passed the board examination—fully prepared, if necessary, to work overseas as a registered nurse. That was already his third degree. Before entering the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), he had earned a Bachelor of Commerce major in Accountancy from then St. Mary’s College, now St. Mary’s University, in Bayombong. Yet instead of leaving, he stayed—persuaded by a senior officer to continue his career in the Coast Guard, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. Looking back, he does not regret that decision. Though he never practiced nursing in the medical field, Basilio said the course changed him in a profound way. “The nursing course taught me humility. It divested me of my arrogance. That is the help my nursing background gave me,” Basilio said. More than technical knowledge, nursing gave him a deeper understanding of people. It enriched his interpersonal relationships and allowed him to better understand the struggles, needs, and perspectives of the men and women he works with. 𝘼 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 Now nearing retirement, Basilio has also made significant institutional contributions to the PCG. Among them is his authorship of the Rules on the Use of Force for Maritime Law Enforcement, a framework now being used in the West Philippine Sea. He also wrote the PCG Incident Monitoring and Surveillance Handbook, another important guide for Coast Guard operations. 𝘼 𝙈𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 Basilio describes himself in one word: Maverick. He knows he is different, and he embraces it. “I try to make a difference, a catalyst of change,” he said. “I am always the peacock in the story The Land of the Penguins. I do not wear the garments of a penguin.” The metaphor is telling. In a world that often rewards conformity, Basilio chose not merely to fit in, but to stand apart with purpose. His brand of leadership is marked by independent thinking, quiet innovation, and the courage to challenge established ways when change is necessary. He also said he refuses to become “the ogre that never dies”—a striking expression of his desire not to be hardened by power, nor trapped by outdated habits and rigid hierarchies. 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 Though he now resides in Cavite, Basilio has never severed his ties with home. He continues to maintain their house in Bayombong and comes home to Nueva Vizcaya every month. More than that, he says Nueva Vizcaya remains the place where he hopes to retire. His commitment to service has also found its way into the next generation. One of his children followed in his footsteps, graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021 and now serving with the Philippine Coast Guard. From a young man from Solano to one of the country’s top Coast Guard officials, Vice Admiral Genito B. Basilio’s journey reflects not only professional achievement, but also humility, perseverance, and lasting loyalty to his roots. #RMI

By Reyan L. Arinto   TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines (PIA) — A public school teacher from Eastern Samar expressed gratitude after finally securing a promotion under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, following 10 years of service as a Teacher II. Starlet Mae Batica of Oras National High School was among the 1,798 newly promoted teachers and school heads who took the oath in a mass ceremony held at the Tacloban City Convention Center. Batica said the promotion to Teacher V was a long-awaited milestone in her teaching career. She thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for implementing the ECP system, which she said provided long-overdue opportunities for career advancement among public school teachers. “After 10 years as a Teacher II, I am deeply grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. because I was only promoted to Teacher V now,” Batica said. The Expanded Career Progression System is part of the government’s effort to streamline promotion pathways in the education sector and to recognize teachers based on merit, performance, and experience. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the mass oath-taking underscored the administration’s efforts to strengthen the teaching workforce and boost morale among public school educators nationwide. The ceremony in Tacloban brought together newly promoted educators and school leaders from across Eastern Visayas. (RLA, PIA-8)