Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has earned Bronze in the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) category at the 2025 Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA). It is the only Southeast Asian carrier recognized among this year’s honorees. The ETHCA celebrates organizations demonstrating outstanding human resource practices and people-first strategies. This recognition underscores CEB’s commitment to building a culture of inclusion and advancing equitable opportunities for all. “Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to how we lead and grow. This accolade reinforces our belief that empowering our people enhances the way we serve our passengers and communities,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. Over the years, CEB has introduced progressive D&I policies and practices within Philippine aviation. It was among the first local carriers to employ openly transgender cabin crew, recruit female pilots, and extend health and travel benefits to common-law and same-sex partners of its employees. Central to its diversity efforts is the incluCEB Space campaign, which fosters psychological safety and inclusivity across the company. This initiative is supported by the Juan CEB Community (JCC), an employee-led network that runs programs such as EmpowHER, supporting women in non-traditional roles; Rainbow Routes, for LGBTQIA+ inclusion; and Sky Parents, for solo parents. The airline also provides mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for leaders and new hires. In support of persons with disabilities (PWDs), CEB has partnered with The Vanguard Academy (TVA), an educational institution, through a three-year program to create internship opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, enabling more inclusive participation in the workforce. These efforts have positioned CEB as a workplace leader in the region. In 2024, it became the first airline in Southeast Asia certified as a Great Place to Work®. It was also recognized as one of the best employers for recent graduates by the education and careers platform Prosple. Operating 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, CEB continues to expand its network while championing a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable workforce.  

Featuring works available for appreciation—and for keeps Now on full display until July 26, this year’s exhibit features more than 125 artists and more than 600 original artworks ranging from paintings and sketches to sculptures and mixed media pieces. Visitors can immerse themselves in an impressive collection of works that reflect the culture, stories, and soul of the region. After the 2024 Art Market brought home a Gold Stevie Award, this year’s edition returns with the same heart—celebrating diversity and making art more accessible to everyone. From long-time creatives to first-time exhibitors, Art for Everyone lives up to its name by giving space to a wide range of talent. Art for Everyone also carries a deeper purpose. The participating artists, through their organizers, are committed to giving back by sharing a portion of their sales with three organizations close to their hearts: Art Heals, Autism Philippines, and Helping Hands. This initiative turns every purchase into a meaningful act—supporting not only the artists but also causes that uplift and heal. Whether you’re a collector, an advocate, or simply looking for creative inspiration, Art for Everyone offers an opportunity to explore meaningful works, support local artists, and take home a piece of the community’s heart. Many of last year’s participating artists have returned, now joined by fresh names and creative voices from various sectors—further enriching this year’s exhibit. The opening also received strong support from the Creative Baguio City Council, with Ms. Marie Venus Tan, Co-Chairperson, in attendance. Adding to the meaningful start, Autism Hearts Philippines President Lissa Sobrepeña delivered a heartfelt message and presented SM City Baguio with a Plaque of Recognition for its continued support of inclusive and community-centered art initiatives. Among this year’s featured groups are the Pasakalye Group of Artists, Autism Hearts Philippines, Tam-Awan Village artists, Camp Folkswagen, and Sining Sa Tubig. Together, they represent a vibrant and diverse collective—a testament to the growing impact of SM’s continued support for the local creative community. Visit the exhibit at the SM City Baguio Atrium from July 14 to 26, 2025. Support local. Celebrate creativity. Be part of something meaningful.              

The band’s first solo show in the City of Pines BAGUIO CITY — The country’s biggest folk-pop band Ben&Ben is resuming the Philippine leg of its The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour in August, adding Baguio City to its previously announced Bacolod City and Davao City stops. The Baguio City show will take place on August 23 at the John Hay Convention Center, sandwiched between the Bacolod show on August 16 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum and the Davao show on August 30 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium. As part of the lead-up to these shows, the band performed a one-night-only concert at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California on July 12. The album tour made its first stop in Cebu City on May 24, but succeeding shows slated in June had to be rescheduled to allow drummer Jam Villanueva to rest and recover from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Drummer’s Wrist on her left hand. During that challenging period, while proceeding with their prior commitments and supporting Jam in her healing, the band reflected on their own journey together, the relationship they had built with Liwanag over the past eight years, and the purpose that they and their music served. “We have grown together as a band and as people, but we know that there is still a lot of room for improvement. What we have realized over the past weeks is that when we are faced with seemingly impossible challenges, we are led to a very important moment of realization. At this moment, we begin to understand that one of the ways we can overcome our struggle is by understanding the purpose of everything that we do,” Ben & Ben said. Living with purpose aligns with the message of The Traveller Across Dimensions. The concept album follows the story of Liwanag, the Traveller, as she journeys through innocence, struggle, and maturity. She writes 12 songs along the way, which relate her experiences in each of the Dimensions. The songs reflect the various experiences of the band members over the past several years and showcase their growth as people, as songwriters, and as musicians. “A life of purpose entails a journey of self-discovery, struggle, growth, meaningful connections, and positive contribution. All these have been part of Liwanag’s journey, and part of ours as well. Seeing the songs come alive on stage will allow you to appreciate that journey, that purpose, even more. We would love for you to be part of our shows,” the band further said. During their concert tour, the nine-piece band will perform tracks from The Traveller Across Dimensions, mixed with their biggest hits. Their latest single Saranggola is also part of the setlist. Since its release in April, Saranggola has slowly gained status as this generation’s friendship anthem. The band also announced that for the Philippine leg of their album tour, they will be partnering with non-government organizations that align with their advocacies and their purpose. These partners will be announced once all arrangements are finalized. The Baguio leg of The Traveller Across Dimensions Tour is made possible through a partnership with DuckWorld, a consultancy and management agency specializing in business strategies and solutions for sports and the creative industries. About Ben&Ben Ben&Ben is a multi-awarded Filipino band known for their anthemic sound and electrifying live performances. With critically acclaimed albums that set records in streaming and sales, the nine-piece collective explores personal, emotional, and socio-political themes with underlying messages of human connection, courage, hope, and vulnerability. In less than a decade, they’ve managed to shape an entire generation’s cultural awakening through music that uplifts, inspires, and invites introspection. The band’s songs also serve as both a mirror and a compass, which guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery. [Photo taken from The Traveller Across Dimensions Cebu Concert. Photo Credit: Perci Mansueto]  

By Pigeon M Lobien A painting of tall pine trees from a worm’s eye view wowed judges Wednesday afternoon that netted Aliyah Mapa of Dona Aurora High School the top prize in the Watershade of Green exo-art project of the Sin-Agi and Baguio Educators Arts Guild to commemorate the 35th July 16, 1990 earthquake. Some 47 students from DAHS, the Dona Aurora Elementary School and Dona Nicasia Elementary School planted trees, recited the oath as forest guardian underwent painting lessons and painted to their heart’s delight. Mapa shyly joined councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. after her name was called declaring her work as the best in the traditional painting where acrylic paint and canvas were used. The six trees viewed exactly at the middle from trunk to top where they try to meet the skies and apparently calling for rain captured the fancy of the judges led by Mark Vincent Pasagoy of the Baguio Water District. It rained right after lunch until the end of award at 3PM like an answered prayer of Mapa’s six trees. Two of her younger fellow artists from the DAES, where she graduated from and learned painting, took second and third places in the day long activity spearheaded by Yangot, who recalled the early years of the award winning Eco-walk when as a barangay chair and president of the Association of Barangay Councils helped the late mediaman Ramon Dacawi. Lexie Janell Monces and Gwyn Alysa Sutano were adjudged second and third places, respectively. Meanwhile, Leslee Chommawin topped the recycled category. The event backed by the BWD, the Benguiet Electric Cooperative, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera and the Baguio City Police Office also celebrated the 50 years of the BWD which has the “daunting task of supplying water to a city built for 30,000 people but now houses nearly 40,000” the Yanot-led Sin-Agi. Yangot declared that the same event will be staged in the three other watersheds under the stewardship of the BWD namely, Buyog, Camp 8 and Mount Santo Tomas with the nearby schools as participants. “We will do the same activities at the three other BWD supervised watersheds,” said Yangot, who likewise said that the winning works plus some of the better works to be featured in an exhibit. “We will have those framed and put in an exhibit,” said Yangot. Eco-walk was started right after the 1990 killer earthquake that killed hundreds Baguio residents, cut Baguio from the rest of the country and disrupted lives of locals. The ABC through the Timpuyog ti Iit, the BWD, which manages the Busol, the Beneco and the DENR became partners that in 1995, it won the Galing Pook award from Malacanang. The P100,000 prize money was used to put up the shed where lectures on planting trees are now held and later same people take the oat as forest warriors. Last year, the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club resumed its role as leader in promoting the eco-walk with the revival of the program. In June 20 last year, the BCBC celebrated its 60th year as a club by hosting the same and pledging to stage it annually. The BCBC did its own anew last June 21 with the promise to stage same during its anniversary.        

Art comes alive once again as SM City Baguio joins SM Supermalls’ nationwide Art for Everyone celebration—a month-long showcase of Filipino artistry, creativity, and community spirit. It provides both well-known and emerging local artists with a platform to showcase and sell their work, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a thriving creative community. From July 14 to 26, the mall transforms into a vibrant art hub, spotlighting works from the Pasakalye Group of Artists, Baguio’s homegrown collective known for their passionate storytelling through paint, mixed media, and more. This year’s exhibit brings together 110 local artists presenting over 600 unique art pieces, offering visitors an immersive look into the region’s rich and evolving creative scene. Expect a colorful array of works deeply rooted in Cordilleran culture, yet bold in contemporary expression. Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 Art Market, which earned the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls continues to elevate its commitment to championing the local art scene. Last year’s Art Market featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and showcased more than 4,000 artworks, providing a platform that not only celebrated local creativity but also offered meaningful support to emerging and established artists alike. Now, Art for Everyone expands that vision. This year’s initiative transforms participating malls into vibrant art destinations, where both well-known and budding local artists can exhibit to sell their works, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a flourishing creative community. Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in a rich artistic expression — from paintings, photography, and prints to digital art and mixed media—all proudly created by homegrown talent. The program invites art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to explore and celebrate Filipino creativity. Art for Everyone is more than just an art fair—it’s a celebration of the imagination, passion, and skill of local artists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or someone looking to discover a new favorite artist, there’s something here for you. Participating malls and schedules: *Visit your favorite SM mall’s social media for up-to-date information:  SM City Clark – July 1 to 14  SM J Mall – July 1 to 14  SM City Baguio – July 14 to 26  SM Seaside City Cebu – July 14 to 31  SM City Sorsogon – July 15 to 28  SM City Iloilo – July 15 to 31  SM City Bacolod – July 15 to 31  SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30  SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31  SM City Dasmariñas – July 20 to 27  SM CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30  SM City Santa Rosa – July 21 to 27  SM Center Angono – July 21 to 31  The Podium – July 22 to 27  SM Lanang – July 23 to Aug 6  SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31  SM Aura – August 15 to 24 Be part of this dynamic celebration of art! Visit participating SM malls, browse the incredible works on display, and discover your new favorite artist. Spark inspiration, ignite your own creativity, and share the experience with family and friends. For more details and updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in creativity and be inspired.

With less than two months to go before the grand celebration of one of the largest Marian festivals in Southeast Asia, the City Government of Naga has formally kicked off its preparations with the issuance of Executive Order No. 008, series of 2025 The order, signed by Mayor Leni Robredo, constitutes the event committees and support services for the 2025 Peñafrancia Festival, a tradition deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the city and held every September. In her directive, Mayor Robredo emphasized that the Peñafrancia Festival is a season of unity where people, regardless of status or background, come together in faith and celebration of their shared cultural heritage. The executive order highlights the festival’s role as a platform for community engagement and collaboration, where civic organizations, local businesses, schools, and government agencies join hands to organize a series of religious and cultural events, parades, and competitions—fostering a strong sense of community pride and identity. To ensure the smooth implementation of this year’s festivities, the EO mandates the active participation of all departments and offices under the city government. These offices are tasked with forming and composing various event and support committees, with clearly defined functions, roles, and responsibilities. Among those named in the EO are the Executive Committee, the Miss Bicolandia Committee, the Bicol CTP/MAPEH DRRM Parade Competition Committee, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC Committee, the Civic and Float Parade Committee, the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee, the Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee, and the Tagboan Arts, Music and Gastronomy Festival Committee. Support services also formed under the order include committees on Physical Arrangements and Festival Structures, Sponsorship and Marketing, Public Information and Promotions, Event Scheduling, and Trade Events and Vending Services. To further strengthen festival operations, particularly in the areas of peace and order, public safety, sanitation, and emergency response, the city government will also reactivate the Multi-Agency Coordination and the Incident Command System, through a separate executive order. Naga City, often referred to as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Bicol Region, expects another influx of devotees, tourists, and guests this September, as it once again showcases its vibrant faith, deep-rooted traditions, and community solidarity through the Peñafrancia Festival. | via Jason B. Neola

SM Cares, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), continues to strengthen its commitment to maternal and child health advocacy. As of March 2025, 51 out of 87 malls have been certified as Mother-Baby Friendly Workplaces by the DOH, reaffirming the company’s dedication to providing safe and inclusive spaces for mothers and their children. Aligned with Republic Act No. 10028, the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, this milestone ensures that all SM malls meet and exceed the required standards for breastfeeding-friendly environments, setting a new benchmark for family-friendly facilities in commercial spaces Transforming Spaces into Havens for Mothers and Infants SM Supermalls’ commitment to inclusivity and care has proven evident in its comprehensive approach to fulfilling DOH standards. The initiative includes the following key measures: 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: SM malls feature safe, clean, and thoughtfully designed spaces where mothers can nurse their infants with ease and privacy. Equipped with comfortable seating, well-maintained facilities, and discreet enclosures, these stations ensure that mothers can breastfeed with confidence and comfort, promoting a stress-free experience in a supportive environment. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Through SM Cares Milk Depots in select malls, mothers are provided with a safe, accessible, and convenient space to donate their excess breast milk. These donations directly benefit medically vulnerable infants, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or born prematurely, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients needed for survival and growth. By fostering a culture of care and generosity, this initiative strengthens community support for breastfeeding advocacy and maternal health. 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: SM malls ensure that spaces for mothers and children are accessible and thoughtfully designed to meet their needs. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Mall personnel receive education on breastfeeding policies and providing support to nursing mothers, furthering a culture of care. 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗠’𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 With a growing number of its malls certified as Mother-Baby Friendly Workplaces, SM Cares continues to advocate for greater accessibility and awareness in maternal and child health. Annually, an average of 70,000 to 100,000 breastfeeding mothers use SM Supermalls’ Breastfeeding Stations, underscoring the critical role these facilities play in supporting families across the country. “Achieving the Mother-Baby Friendly Certification across all our malls is more than a milestone—it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for families,” shared by Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for SM Cares Women + Breastfeeding “This ongoing initiative reflects our firm belief that every mother deserves the support and comfort to provide the best care for her child.” The certification also underscores SM Cares’ continuing proactive stance in educating the public about the importance of breastfeeding and human milk donation, further contributing to maternal and child health advocacy. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 Through the Mother-Baby Friendly Certification and other ongoing initiatives, SM Cares continues to build inclusive communities where every mother and child feel supported and empowered. By providing safe spaces, essential resources, and advocacy-driven programs, SM Cares is creating a lasting impact on maternal and child health. With each step forward, we reaffirm our commitment to making SM malls truly “A Mall for All.”

  National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Book Nook proudly unveils Ang Batang Babaeng Nagtitinda ng Posporo—Dr. Jose Rizal’s Tagalog translation of a classic children’s story, bridging generations through literature.     Book Nook at SM Podium welcomed a historic celebration on June 19, 2025, the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) launched Ang Batang Babaeng Nagtitinda ng Posporo—a children’s book translated into Tagalog by none other than Dr. Rizal himself. Dr. Rizal translated Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl into Tagalog in 1886 as a heartfelt gift to his nieces and nephews. The translation, originally titled Ang Batang Babaing Mai Dalang Sakafuego, is part of a series of fairytales Rizal worked on during his time in Germany. Among them were Ang Punong Pino (The Fir Tree), Ang Gahinlalaki (Thumbelina), Ang Pangit na Sisiu ng Pato (The Ugly Duckling), and Ang Sugu o Sugo (The Angel). Held at Book Nook’s space inside SM Podium, the engaging event also featured a special storytelling session by the Kuwentistas of the National Library of the Philippines, bringing Rizal’s words to life for the next generation. “We are honored that Book Nook was chosen as the launch venue for this meaningful release. Book Nook was created to be more than just a reading space—it is a home for stories that shape who we are,” said Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls. “This launch is yet another important milestone and part of our ongoing commitment to heritage learning, accessible education, and community storytelling.” More than just a library, Book Nook is a literacy and community engagement initiative under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. It is a space designed to inspire curiosity, celebrate local and global narratives, and make storytelling accessible to all. With a dedicated NHCP Corner, Book Nook proudly supports history and heritage appreciation—bridging generations through books, culture, and meaningful partnerships. This collaboration between NHCP and Book Nook reinforces their shared mission: to make Philippine history more accessible, engaging, and alive in the daily lives of Filipinos—especially the youth who Rizal once called “the hope of the motherland.” If you or your organization would like to collaborate with Book Nook for storytelling sessions, workshops, or community events, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned and visit https://linktr.ee/smbooknook for more enriching activities in the coming months. Visit Book Nook at SM Podium and be part of a growing community that celebrates reading and creativity. Bring a book to donate or swap with select titles from the collection, and discover a space where stories, art, and culture come to life. Let’s share the joy of reading—one book at a time!                  

  Mr. Steven Tan reflects on a lesson from the late Mr. Henry Sy, Sr.: “The greatest equalizer is really in education. That’s why we push education so much,” underscoring SM’s deep commitment to educational advocacy.   SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country. Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap. In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution. “At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.” “We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE. “Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time. Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.