The Badju Fashion show and competition was held Tuesday night, October 8, at the Astoria Regency in Pasonanca, as one of the highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2024. A total of 20 entries created by local fashion designers were showcased during the Badju Fashion Show and Competition, which aimed to celebrate and highlight the traditional designs of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the city. Mayor John Dalipe vowed tocontinue advocating for the preservation of the city’s culture and recognizing the city’s IP sector. The city government of Zamboanga was the first city to hold the Badju Fashion Show and competition that started during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival two years ago. “Badju,” is a Muslim term that refers to traditional dresses, but this word also serves as a tribute to all Indigenous People of Zamboanga City and is accepted as an umbrella term for dresses inspired by indigenous motifs. ENHORABUENA! to the winners in the Badju Fashion Show and Competition: Yakan Edition: 1st Place: Mandrake Servito 2nd Place: Maverick Francisco Oyao 3rd Place: Usni Sali 4th Place: Ruel Sardan 5th Place: Marcle Craig Del Rosario Photo credits: Raffy Reyes

Baguio Tourism Council Chair Gladys Vergara leads the opening of the exhibit and the viewing of the photographs in an exhibit at Luisa’s Café along Session Road in Baguio City, on October 3. Dubbed “Photographic Sojourn,” the works of David Leprozo Jr, Noli Gabilo and Joey De Castro highlights the beauty of the mountains through their expert lens as they traversed Baguio City, Benguet and the Mountain Province.    

Featuring Baguio’s Pasakalye Group of Artists SM Supermalls is proud to continue its celebration of Filipino artistry with the ongoing SM Art Market, a nationwide initiative that empowers local artists and supports the creative industry. Since July, this series of vibrant art markets at various SM malls has brought art closer to communities, with upcoming stops poised to showcase even more talent. Running from September 25 to October 8, the SM City Clark Art Market is showcasing the creative talents of artists from across Northern Luzon, with a special highlight on the Pasakalye Group of Artists from Baguio City. Known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, the Pasakalye Group’s work reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Cordilleras through their stunning paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. The event at SM City Clark is part of a larger effort by SM Supermalls to provide a platform for local artists, fostering connections between creators and art enthusiasts. With nearly 400 breathtaking artworks on display, this is an exceptional opportunity to engage with the artists, learn about their creative journeys, and bring home one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you. Upcoming SM Art Market Stops For those eager to discover more captivating works, the SM Art Market will continue with upcoming stops at SM City San Pablo from September 27 to October 9, and the grand finale at SM Lanang in Davao from September 27 to October 6. Each event transforms the mall into a dynamic art space, providing local artists with a platform to connect with a wider audience and further highlighting SM Supermalls’ dedication to celebrating Filipino creativity. Grand Finale at SM Lamang: Mindanao’s Largest Art Market The SM Art Market will culminate in a spectacular event at SM Lanang, home to the largest art market in Mindanao. Running from September 27 to October 6, SM Lanang will partner with Lawig-Diwa, Inc. to host the 6th edition of Mindanao Art, gathering 34 galleries from across the Philippines and showcasing over 1,000 artworks from more than 300 artists. This year’s theme, “Art on the Edge,” celebrates the innovative spirit of Mindanao’s art scene and strengthens ties between artists and the community. Empowering Artists and MSMEs Nationwide More than just an exhibition series, the SM Art Market serves as a platform to empower Filipino artists and MSMEs in the creative industry. By providing these artists with exposure and opportunities to expand their reach, SM Supermalls remains committed to cultivating a thriving creative community and supporting the local economy. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of local art and talent! Visit the SM City Clark Art Market today and explore the works of the Pasakalye Group of Artists, along with other talented artists from Northern Luzon.

October 18 – 20 , 2024 6pm Carrousel Du Louvre 75001, Salon d’art Contemporain, Paris Oct 18 6pm October 18 – 20 , 2024 4pm Business Art Fair , Espace Nesle, 8 Rue de Nesle 75006 Paris La Mode en Moi – Dress Fashion Show and Art Exhibit Oct 18 4pm October 18 – 20 ,2024 6pm Faces of Us 75001 Carrousel Du Lourve, Paris See you there !

Several business groups based in Central Luzon welcomed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) proposed amendments to Republic Act 7227, citing the measure’s role in creating more inclusive communities and in spurring economic growth in the region and the country. These organizations, namely the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PAMCHAM), Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Tarlac (PCCI-Tarlac), Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI), and the Pampanga Business Development Coordinating Council (PBDCC), have delivered their messages of support for the proposed amendments, as encapsulated in House Bill 8505 and Senate Bill 2647. “Supporting the proposed amendments means endorsing a future where increased investments flow into our country fostering inclusivity for all Filipinos. These amendments will not only enhance the economic landscape of Pampanga and Region 3, but will also contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive Philippines,” PAMCHAM President Teresa David-Carlos said. Aileen Uy-Chan, president of PCCI-Tarlac, said the proposed amendments would encourage more private businesses to invest in the country, and drive opportunities for growth throughout all sectors of the economy. “This will surely open a lot of partnerships in investments and shared development, with a domino effect of economic opportunities for many sectors of surrounding territories. We would like to see this happen, especially for Central Luzon, and we look forward to seeing these opportunities open to all—from corporations to MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), employees to professionals, foreigners, and locals alike,” she said. “These amendments will help BCDA towards economic growth, which includes the extension of BCDA’s term for another 50 years. Highlight of these amendments is the housing and economic opportunity, which is consistent with the priority projects and plans of the government,” said PBDCC President Ronald Malicdem. Fostering inclusive development In particular, the business groups supported the proposal to convert a portion of BCDA’s economic zones from leasehold to freehold in order to provide inclusive socioeconomic development in the region. David-Carlos said this measure is expected to stimulate growth in the housing sector, providing opportunities for property ownership that will benefit not only people inside Clark, but also other cities and municipalities in Pampanga and Central Luzon. Dr. Francisco Villanueva Jr., President of CILA, also said this proposal would enhance Clark’s attractiveness as an investment destination, and spur sustainable and inclusive development in the ecozone. “Inclusivity is really needed. If you take a look, the Philippines has been growing at six percent on the average for the past several years and yet a lot of people are saying that  what we have is a case of non-inclusive growth. This would partially address that issue. Now people who are working here don’t have to commute and travel far. They can afford to get housing here in the future,” Dr. Villanueva said. MACCI President Elizabeth Carlos-Timbol also supported the allocation of areas for residential and mixed-use developments, saying this would pave the way for long-term partnerships between the public and private sector for the provision of affordable housing to Filipinos. This would, she said, eventually help decongest Metro Manila and bring sustainable growth in other economic zones. Improving investor confidence Meanwhile, the business groups also supported the proposal to extend the corporate life of the BCDA by another 50 years. David-Carlos said this would create a stable environment for long-term investments, ensuring economic resiliency and continuity. “This stability is crucial in attracting and retaining significant investments, particularly in New Clark City which is set to become a beacon of development and innovation. Increased investments in New Clark City will catalyze economic activities, create jobs, and drive regional goals,” David-Carlos said. Carlos-Timbol, for her part, said the proposal would ensure continued interest from investors and sustain efforts for the economic and social transformation in the country, alleviating more Filipinos from poverty.      

In the bustling malls of the Philippines, a quiet revolution is underway, one that sees local farmers and entrepreneurs stepping onto a bigger stage thanks to the SM Weekend Market. Developed as a collaborative effort between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls, this initiative is not just about commerce; it’s a strategic move to integrate local producers into the retail ecosystem while bolstering economic resilience and community development. A Marketplace for MSMEs Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of economies worldwide, and in the Philippines, they play a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering community stability. Recognizing this, SM Investments Corporation has championed the SM Weekend Market to empower these enterprises, particularly local farmers. Cristie Angeles, Assistant Vice President of SM Foundation, underscores its significance: “Our goal is to transfer modern, science-based agri-technology skillsets to our farmers. Once equipped with these advanced skills and knowledge, we link them to the available market.” Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls said: “The SM Weekend Market provides MSMEs the strategic venues or marketplaces to showcase their products and engage directly with consumers.” Since its inception, the market has welcomed more than 100 local farmers, offering them a platform to connect with diverse customers, from weekend shoppers to mall employees and tenants. This exposure has not only expanded their market reach but also significantly boosted their profitability. The daily sales among local enterprises vary significantly, reflecting a broad spectrum from modest to substantial earnings. Nurturing Entrepreneurial Spirit At the heart of the SM Weekend Market’s success lies SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan – Sustainable Livelihood Program (KSK-SLP). This program spans 14 weeks, equipping participants with essential skills in agriculture, business management, and market readiness. Through rigorous training in sustainable farming techniques and mentorship on effective product presentation and pricing strategies, KSK-SLP ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs are well-prepared to thrive in competitive markets. One such success story is Francisco “Ka Iko” Vispo, a 62-year-old farmer from Laguna, whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of the program. Since completing KSK-SLP in 2018, Ka Iko has not only increased his farm’s productivity but also expanded his market presence through the SM Weekend Market at SM Calamba. His additional income has enabled him to make significant investments, such as acquiring a second-hand tricycle for efficient product delivery, thereby improving his business operations. Ka Iko’s dedication extends beyond personal gain; he actively shares his agricultural knowledge within his community, promoting sustainable farming practices and backyard gardening. His initiatives, including a community garden supporting a feeding program for school children, highlight his commitment to community upliftment and sustainable agriculture. Collaborative Synergy for Sustainable Development The success of the SM Weekend Market and KSK-SLP is amplified by collaborative partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations. These include SM Supermalls, TESDA, Department of Agriculture, DSWD, DOST, DTI, Local Government Units, and partner farm schools. Such partnerships are instrumental in scaling the impact of these programs and ensuring their long-term sustainability. By leveraging the expertise and resources of each partner, the SM group not only enhances program delivery but also fosters innovation and resilience within local economies. Driving Inclusive Growth Through initiatives like the SM Weekend Market and KSK-SLP, the SM group is paving the way for inclusive growth and prosperity across the Philippines. By providing market access, skills training, and fostering collaborative partnerships, SM empowers Filipino farmers and MSMEs to thrive economically while contributing to community resilience and sustainable development. As SM continues to expand its footprint with the SM Weekend Market currently operating in 18 malls nationwide, the impact on local economies and the lives of participating entrepreneurs continues to grow. These efforts underscore SM’s commitment to creating sustainable pathways out of poverty and building a brighter future for local producers and entrepreneurs.  

By Dante Salvana The “Olympics of planners” celebrates its 60th year with a world-first in the Philippines NEW CLARK CITY, TARLAC – Hundreds of the world’s thought-leaders – urban planners, architects, engineers, property developers, academics – arrive in New Clark City (NCC) Tarlac this week, as the Philippines hosts a historic global congress from Sept. 10-13. Planners, architects, and enthusiasts all join this pivotal moment in urban, regional and environmental planning. The 60th World Planning Congress (Diamond Edition) or WPC60@NCC, alongside the 1st International Conference on New Cities-Planning New Regenerative Cities, is organized by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) and the Philippines’ host organization composed of the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), led by Gov. Susan A. Yap and the Local Organizing Committee, headed by Philippine Planner and ISOCARP-member EnP Haydee Jacklyn M. Quintana Malubay. An established global non-governmental organization founded in 1965 and based in the Hague, ISOCARP is a network of professional urban planners from 90+ countries. Its main event, the annual WPC addresses traditional planning issues through rigorously selected technical papers. In its Diamond year, the WPC opens in NCC Tarlac and closes this October in Siena, Italy. While WPC is long established, the Planning New Regenerative Cities conference is a world first after many years of deliberation, focusing on challenges facing “new” (regenerative) cities and their relationship with nature. New Clark City Tarlac is the ideal venue for this theme, rising in a former military base from the literal ashes of Mount Pinatubo. Foreign and national delegates can fly into an award-winning international airport, attend sessions at iconic structures created for the 30th SEA Games in 2019, and stroll along the River Park for post-sessions programs against a stunning backdrop of mountains, sunrise and sunset. Over the conference’s four days, keynote speakers include Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary, the country’s planning authority; Anacláudia C. Rossbach, Executive Director for UN Habitat; Sylvester Wong, Vice President at AECom Asia Pacific, which formulated the masterplan for NCC Tarlac; Guy Castelaine Perry, VP for Urban Planning & Design at McKinsey; and Ann Forsyth, of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, among many others. Several other international experts from UN Habitat and other planning and development organizations are set to participate in panels, debates, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Outside the plenary, delegates may choose from five tracks, each focused on a key issue of new cities and sustainability. A first-ever Do-Track to draft a Regenerative Cities Manifesto, thought- provoking special sessions and a pre-event YPP challenge for 30 young planning professionals round out the program. A planning conference must go beneath the surface of its surroundings. Thus, WPC delegates can also join full-day technical tours of Metro Manila, and of Central Luzon, notably Clark, Tarlac and its environs on adaptive reutilization of existing resources and its Carbon Neutrality Initiative. The latter technical tour is led by Architect Royal Pineda, who designed most of NCC Tarlac’s facilities using the region’s abundant lahar as a composite building material. Lahar flowed out from the bowels of Mount Pinatubo upon its devastating eruption three decades ago. Half-day tours of Central Luzon development are presented along with cultural experiences and more “touristic” visits to Pinatubo and surrounding areas. The ideas behind a pioneering conference In a digitalizing world with a circular economy, expectations are rising for sustainably humanized, healthy cities and environments. Urban and regional planners now have both the opportunity and the professional responsibility to take a more robust approach. Though it was coined 14 years ago, the term “regenerative cities” remains relevant today given digital transformation and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. What we can learn from the past, on-going, and near future urban development will enrich the current stock of knowledge to navigate our future. In New Clark City, about 100 km northwest of Manila, ISOCARP and the Local Organizing Committee welcome the entire international planning community. Together, in a total of six tracks, delegates will explore the challenges and opportunities of planning sustainable new cities that are healthy, inclusive, compact, regenerative and embedded in a circular economy, carbon-neutral energy supplies, and nature-based solutions, while fostering sustainable connectivity and complementarity with existing cities in the region, Metro Manila in particular. A particular focus is to explore New Clark City Tarlac as an inspiring practice of regenerating a former military base. The conference will also explore climate adaptive resilience planning approaches, for new (and existing) cities vulnerable to climate change – from drought to floods – and natural risks such as volcanic and seismic activity. Finally, this world first conference highlights Tarlac’s cultural diversity, as an inspiration for new cities to pursue inclusion of the indigenous population and its culture. One conference activity – Mga Kwento ni Ima – explores the narratives of Indigenous Peoples – Aetas – about Mother Nature and Mother Earth, the mythology of weather forecasting and river-landscape design process. The Aetas had historical stewardship of domains now part of NCC Tarlac’s development area. This congress would not be possible without our co-host and platinum sponsor, the Philippines’ San Miguel Corporation, a consistent proponent of long-term sustainability in major infrastructure. We also thank institutional members of the Local Organizing Committee: PlanNet [Planning Network] Management and Consultancy founded by its President, Haydee Jacklyn M. Quintana Malubay; Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. and its Chairman Juan Romeo Nereus O. Acosta; Royal Pineda+ Architecture•Design of Architect Royal Pineda; the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Overall, WPC will be a remarkable, substantive, memorable and unforgettable planning congress, one that host-Philippines is proud to pioneer.

The art exhibit conducted by the Pasakalye Group of Artists at SM City Baguio is considered a historic and successful event for Cordilleran artists in keeping with the promotion as a UNESCO creative city, as hope of being showcased in other SM malls is high. More than 400 art works from 99 talented artists, whether professional or novice, were displayed from July 31 to August 13 at the Atrium Event Center, just proof of SM’s support to the creative sector expand their talents and lead the way to also give other artists the opportunity to hold an exhibit. Black and White Artist Student artist Edria Partosan Sevilla, 21, is now famous for her black and white artwork, which is often the life size of celebrities and well-known personalities. “Actually I love minimal designs, then the black and white one was inspired by stencil arts, but I looked at acrylic paint instead of the real stencil during the pandemic. I tried it as an experiment by making a black and white painting, mostly whatI do now are life size,” Sevilla said. Some of her life size art works are national artist Apo Whang-od which he displayed in Tam-awan Village, and was immediately sold. The face of Bob Marley, Cup of Joe, Efren “Bata” Reyes, which mostly has dimensions of 3x4x5 feet. Although only small art works were displayed in SM City Baguio, Sevilla also participated with small and colored works. “It’s not my first time to do color, even though I really like black and white, but when the exhibit requires color and the theme is renaissance, I did it to grab the opportunity to join the exhibit. ” Three National Artists stuck together on one canvas, Apo Whang-od, Ben Cabrera of Bencab Museum and Kidlat Tahimik, with the title Cordillera Living Legend, featured in the exhibit and a black and white with the title ‘Enchantress”. The said Cordillera Living Legend canvas painting made of acrylic is among the Top 10 in his exhibit at Camp John Hay. Professional Artist One of Pasakalye’s skilled artists is Carmen Jean Villanueva, whose masterpieces are paintings made in Fluid Art, Abstract, Figurative and Pyrography. For the first time she was proud of his creation Gaze of a Goddess artworks, which is called Art Nouveau, a woman’s face, which seems to be alive in its shape and used acrylic. “Most of the art nouveau paintings are actually women. I love painting women, of course because women always represent strength, Strength but then a woman is still soft. Soft but strong, a woman is resilient, so that’s why I love painting women. This is my first painting with a face and this is self-taught, nobody taught me and I will also do pyrography. Most of the artists here are self-taught,” said Villanueva. Villanueva started drawing when she was young, but she really started doing artwork full-time was when she joined Pasakalye in 2021. “What’s nice about Pasakalye, when you’re a member of Pasakalye and join the exhibit, they make you think out of the box. They bring you out of your comfort zone. Like they know, I’m an abstract artist and yet they still made me do a realism. “With Pasakalye I also grew as an artist, because again, they make you go out of your comfort zone to try other medium, to try other styles, not just to stay in your comfort zone,” said Villanueva. Small but great artist Zylan Yvonne Blando, 24, who is also fond of abstract painting, which she started in March 2024, shared a different talent in the field of visual arts. “I started drawing nature, I experimented with a different kind of abstract, I also do photography, then I make it into an art. I became interested in it after my graduation in Hospitality Management, and I made it a hobby, while I was looking for a job,” said Blando. According to Blando, she started making art in 8×8 size. The first art she made was bought by his Aunt, who also participated in the exhibit at Porta Vaga and at the SM Art Market. Of the 12 acrylic artworks she has created since March, six have been purchased, including a display at SM. “I would like to thank them for giving Pasakalye recognition here at SM City Baguio to market our artworks and also for giving us the opportunity to showcase the local talents of Baguio City. When I first met Mam Maricar, that’s when I started exploring medium art,” said Blando. Hobbyist Artist Leopold Ludan, a native of Baguio City and currently working in Quezon City, said that painting is still part of his life as an artist, which he started when he was in elementary school until college. Although he is a regular government employee, he does not forget to make paintings to participate in exhibits and be recognized as a great artist. It proudly displayed in its second exhibit at SM City Baguio, an acrylic arts of a Wolf with the title Territorial which went with a P10,000 price. “I started painting and participated in exhibits in 2021, then three straight exhibits, after that, I was gone for one year, but now I’m coming back. When I was in elementary school, I was inclined to make art only through water color, in high school I also continued to make art until I was in college and now even though I have a job, I participate in exhibits,” said Ludan. The first thing I do is focus on the subject I want to happen, then I will play with him in the end. I drew first and looked for good references, but not exactly from the reference, I made changes from the reference according to my own taste.” Pointing at one of his, works, he said “Like this art work, it is territorial, I played with it and it came from my mind and I painted it with acrylic.” According to Ludan, during the pandemic he had

BAGUIO CITY – Around 400 beautiful paintings created by 99 talented artists from the Cordillera can now be viewed at the launched SM Art Market at the Mall Atrium, SM City Baguio, from July 31 to August 13. The art market was graced by Engr. Marc Jansen Pe, SAVP-Operations; Pasakalye Group of Artists founder Maricar Docyogen; City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo; Venus Tan, chair-Creative Baguio Council; Ferdie Balanag, Founder & Director Montanossa; Judge Ruth Bawayan, Presiding Judge of Branch 6 MTCC-Baguio; Ed Canta, head of Consular Office-DFA Baguio; RD Juliet Lucas, DTI-CAR and Engr. Doy Tabilog. SM City Baguio’s long-standing commitment to the local art scene, highlighted as one of the successful art events such as Cordillera Hueniverse, Art in Bloom, Pandegka Series, and Impakabsat, reached new heights with the launch of the SM Art Market. The Art Market, was organized by Pasakalye Group of Artists founder Maricar Docyogen and SM City Baguio, to promote talented artists to show their talents in the field of artistic expressions to the public. Expect paintings, photographs, prints, illustrations, digital art, mixed media, and sculptures to be found at the Art Market, all created by talented Filipino artists. This exciting initiative, which will be launched in SM Malls nationwide, strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to up-and-coming local artists by giving them a platform to showcase their creative works. and reach a wider audience. Photos by Zaldy Comanda