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Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity
On 28 September, Denmark and the Philippines marked 77 years of strong diplomatic ties by emphasizing their shared passion for design and creativity. To honor this milestone, the Royal Danish Embassy Manila staged two projects that capture the fusion of Filipino creativity and uniqueness of Danish design, reflecting the richness of the countries’ longstanding relationship. Bridging our countries through LEGO One of the most symbolic representations of this mutual appreciation for creativity is the iconic LEGO – a Danish brand that has found its way to the hearts of many Filipino families, collectors, builder communities, and creative enthusiasts. You can also meet talented Filipinos working in LEGO headquarters in Denmark, driving design processes for various LEGO sets that land on toy store shelves worldwide. Venturing into the heart of the Philippines' historical richness, Danish Ambassador FranzMichael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin and Philippine Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim explored the Philippines in bricks at the iMake History Fortress LEGO Education Center. The Education Center, nestled in historic Fort Santiago, is a joint project by the Royal Danish Embassy Manila, the Intramuros Administration, and Felta Multimedia, Inc and serves as an exhibition of historical and cultural landmarks in the Philippines – all built using LEGO. The center also conducts workshops to train the youth in architecture, design, engineering, and creativity using LEGO Education modules. Guided by the shared vision of fostering strong connections, the Ambassadors, along with Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, Felta Brand Activation Officer Jed Abiva-Sazon, Mme. Eva Fischer-Mellbin, and Mme. Fides Herrera-Lim, took the lead in building a symbolic bridge using LEGO as a representation of the strong connection of the two countries spanning over seven decades. Filipino art LEGO-fied From architectural wonders, LEGO bricks were creatively used as building blocks for classic masterpieces of Filipino maestro and National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo. Project AMORsolo, a mosaic LEGO exhibition by Pinoy LEGO Users Group (PinoyLUG) pays homage to the enduring legacy of the first Filipino National Artist. The exhibit replicates Amorsolo’s iconic paintings “Bayanihan”, “Dalagang Bukid”, and “Early Traders” using LEGO. To support PinoyLUG and masterpieces of Fernando Amorsolo, the Embassy hosted a Project AMORsolo installation in October 2023. During the event, PinoyLUG also unveiled a LEGO brick mosaic based on the iconic Danish artwork “Anna Ancher and Marie Krøyer on the beach at Skagen” by Michael Ancher, specially designed for the celebration. Gracing the event were members of the Amorsolo family including the artist’s daughter Slyvia Amorsolo Lazo and grandson Fernando “Nandy” Amorsolo Lazo, who now leads the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation dedicated to the promotion of the maestro’s unique style and artistic vision. Named after a playful combination of the Filipino artist’s name and the Spanish term for “love” (amor), Project AMORsolo was born out of interest of PinoyLUG’s members during the pandemic to build projects that go beyond LEGO’s usual notion of “play”, but also represents the Philippines’ rich art and creative culture. Project AMORsolo has been showcased in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila City Hall, and shopping malls around Luzon, and now at the Danish Residence. Wielding the power of design together Both events contribute to the Embassy’s “Design Matters” campaign. This aims to celebrate and increase awareness on Denmark’s design values and drive for innovation while appreciating the Philippines’ artistic heritage and ingenuity. Danish design, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, is a way of life. The campaign aims to inspire Filipinos about the beauty and practicality of Danish design, connecting it to the Filipino tradition of craftsmanship and vibrancy. Since September, the Embassy has featured testimonials, parallel design concepts, and collaborative efforts to integrate design thinking into policies. The Embassy looks forward to continue supporting the Philippines in cultivating a deeper appreciation for design and translate creative ideas to meaningful efforts set to improve Filipinos’ lives. The post Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Space at your own pace
Kerry Sports Manila, a comprehensive lifestyle and leisure club in the Metro, was one with the international wellness community in celebrating the 7th World Wellness Weekend through Journey to Wellness, a three-day holistic wellness journey that took place from 15 to 17 September. Grounded in the five pillars of wellness, each day featured group activities featuring guided meditation, team encouragement, and synchronous movement toward the goal of improving one’s wellbeing. Here, individuals came together to attend by-the-hour training sessions with a community-centered approach to improving their overall health and fitness. Classes throughout the weekend maximized the club’s facilities. These include low-intensity exercises like reformer Pilates and yoga, high intensity workouts like HIIT and Skillrun Bootcamp by Technogym, and other classes like spinning, rope flow, and animal flow. Kerry Sports Manila, together with Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, is proud to support World Wellness Weekend and promote the critical role physical and mental activity plays in improving our overall health,” said Amit Oberoi, general manager, Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. “World Wellness Weekend and Kerry Sports Manila share the same vision: to empower our members to find their own space at their own pace as they achieve their own personal fitness goals whether for strength building or to combat mental health-related issues. We strongly encourage other health clubs, gyms and studios here locally to join the cause and engage their communities to participate and be active,” he furthered. Journey to Wellness is a testament to Kerry Sports Manila’s mission to provide the community with all that they need to achieve their overall health goals. Beyond the World Wellness Weekend, they continue to strengthen their commitment to provide daily expertise in holistic wellness through accredited trainers, programs, and complete facilities. In support of their integrated approach to wellness, physiotherapy rooms, and spa facilities are available for recovery needs, and Kerry Sprouts for nutritional refreshments after workouts. The post Space at your own pace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t presence in communities vital — Sara
Vice President Sara Duterte underscored the importance of government presence in the communities to end insurgency in the country. “When communities have increased access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare services, and other government initiatives — terrorists will have lesser chances to access them,” Duterte said during the opening of the three-day Peace Village at the SM City Annex in Davao City. According to the Vice President, good governance is one of the key pathways to achieving peace in the country. “A government that genuinely serves the people will not suffer the doom of being betrayed by its people,” she said. Duterte said the celebration is a special moment in Davao’s quest for enduring peace and prosperity, and celebrating the insurgency-free status of Davao Region. She cited the significant gains of Davao Region in its peace-building efforts as it marked its first year of being insurgency-free. The three-day “Peace Village: An Exhibit of Davao Regions Milestones in Peace and Development” is spearheaded by the City Government of Davao, through its Peace 911 program, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity and the provincial government units of Region XI. The post Gov’t presence in communities vital — Sara appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ode to creativity
Set to be the most monumental iteration yet, the 6th Albay Multimedia Arts Convention this year will be held on 2 and 3 September at Ayala Malls Legazpi, a venue celebrated for its unwavering support of the creative community. What began as a modest gathering with a few dozen attendees in 2016 has seen exponential growth year after year. From hundreds to thousands and now tens of thousands of attendees, the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention has established itself as the largest event celebrating creativity in South Luzon. This year’s theme, “Palette of Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity in the Creative Industry”, not only underscores the rich tapestry of artistic talent within the region but also emphasizes the integral role that diversity plays in the broader creative landscape. As the convention continues to grow, so does its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all artists and creators. One of the convention’s primary missions is the continuous organization of community events aimed at honing the skills of aspiring artists. These events serve as a foundation, ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to be competitive in the ever-evolving creative industry, whether their passion lies in art, design, or any other creative discipline. The significant contributions of the Bicol Region’s creative community, particularly through events like the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention, have been pivotal in the recent adoption of the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act. This newly enacted law recognizes and promotes the immense potential of the creative sector within the Philippines, with the Bicol Region standing as a testament to the nation’s artistic prowess. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the event’s sponsors and partner communities, all of whom have played an instrumental role in the convention’s growth and success over the years. The post Ode to creativity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Be green warriors, Sara tells youth
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday urged the Filipino youth to become environmental advocates as she joined the nation and the whole world in celebrating International Youth Day and Linggo ng Kabataan. “I urge you to courageously assume your roles as environmental stewards and future leaders of the country and find ways to advocate for climate action,” Duterte said. “May you continue using your voices and abilities and serve as role models among your peers and within your families and communities,” she added. Duterte, who also sits as Education Secretary, encouraged the Filipino youth to “make use of your education to make an impactful difference in the lives of those who are most in need.” She said that the Office of the Vice President has teamed up with the Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Pagbabago: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign. The project, she said, aims to encourage Filipinos from all walks of life to plant one million trees by 2028, in addition to promoting the importance of education and dental health. The post Be green warriors, Sara tells youth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S., Phl universities to offer exchange programs on disaster resilience
Florida-based Santa Fe College and Urdaneta City University in Pangasinan recently signed a partnership agreement establishing innovative virtual student exchanges on disaster resilience in local communities. [caption id="attachment_170590" align="aligncenter" width="909"] Santa Fe College president Dr. Paul Broadie and Urdaneta City University president Dr. Amihan April Alcazar sign a university partnership agreement on disaster resilience exchange programs at the Urdaneta City University Campus in Pangasinan. | Photograph Courtesy of Urdaneta City University.[/caption] Visiting Santa Fe College president Dr. Paul Broadie and Urdaneta City University president Dr. Amihan April Alcazar signed the partnership agreement at the conclusion of a symposium on technical-vocational education held from 25 to 28 July in Makati City. The partnership will allow students of the two higher education institutions to exchange knowledge and propose solutions that address pressing disaster-related challenges faced by their respective communities, such as hurricanes and typhoons. One program under this partnership is STEMTank 2023, which will train Filipino students to design resilient community essentials, such as disaster response shelters, using 3D printers. The signing of the partnership agreement is the result of the US government-funded Community College Administrator Program, a five-week exchange program that enabled 21 Philippine technical-vocational education representatives to discuss best practices and experiences in community college operations and workforce development with US community college officials, legislative leaders and senior policymakers in Florida last month. “The CCAP is an exemplar of the evolving collaboration between US community colleges and Philippine post-secondary education sectors, which include both higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions,” Alcazar said. “This year, we are celebrating 75 years of the Fulbright program and the incredible legacy of US-Philippine academic and professional exchanges. The US Embassy is proud to be part of the success of CCAP and looks forward to increased academic exchanges between our countries in the future,” US Embassy Public Engagement Officer Pauline Anderson said. The post U.S., Phl universities to offer exchange programs on disaster resilience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM to Davao Sur on it’s 56th Anniv: ‘Be the beacon of progress’ for Phl
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged Davao del Sur’s government and its constituents to remain determined in promoting peace and development in the province and make it a “beacon of progress for Mindanao and for the rest of the country.” In his keynote speech during the celebration of the 56th Araw ng Davao del Sur in Digos City, Marcos acknowledged the provincial government’s hard work to transform Davao del Sur into a “peaceful and progressive place.” “With the local government focusing on all aspects of your daily life that we have identified in the national agenda, you can look forward to a boost in local businesses, improved daily transactions, and an overall better quality of life,” Marcos told the local officials. The chief executive also praised the local officials for the 56 years of peace and progress in the province’s many communities “that make up the province (is a great achievement).” “To all the local leaders, thank you for your service to the province and to your people. It is very encouraging to see you working hand in hand and to know that the provincial government’s projects are all aligned with my administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda,” he said. Marcos also commended the province’s continuing digitalization efforts to streamline the government processes so it can achieve “fiscal management and bureaucratic efficiency.” He said the progress in the province can now be sustained following the declaration of Davao del Sur as “insurgency-free” as it was liberated from the claws of the communist terrorist group last year. “Let me acknowledge that this is the first province in the Davao region to be declared insurgency-free and for doing your best to continue to maintain that status right up to this day. That is not a small feat,” he said. Also, the President recognized Davao del Sur’s dedication to improving the province’s health care system as well as building facilities to provide better services to its people and neighboring provinces. “We have experienced enough of the Covid pandemic and natural disasters. We must continue to fortify our health facilities to ensure our people’s health,” he said. Marcos was also thankful to Davao del Sur’s continuous support for his presidential bid in the 9 May 2022 national elections and up until he reached his first year in office. He assured the people of the province that his administration will provide full support to Davao del Sur. “Rest assured that the national government fully supports in ensuring the success of your initiatives and the success of the people of the province of Davao del Sur,” he said. This year’s 56th Araw ng Davao del Sur theme is “Lig-Ong Probinsya, Lig-Ong Katawhan Alang sa Maanyag Nga Kaugmaon Ug Malungtarong Kalambuan” (Strong Province, Strong People for a Beautiful Future and Sustainable Development)—celebrating its rich history, vibrant culture, and resilient spirit. The post PBBM to Davao Sur on it’s 56th Anniv: ‘Be the beacon of progress’ for Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Build better Phl, Marcos dares youth
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday challenged the youth to excel in their studies, serve their communities, and continuously extend a helping hand to those in need as he emphasized the youth’s crucial role as the hope and future of the country. In his video message on the Day of the Filipino Youth, Marcos said the young have the inherent idealism and tireless strength to build a better future for the Philippines. The Chief Executive urged the youth to use their talents and abilities to help build a beautiful, prosperous and resilient country. “Like our ancestors, I firmly believe that the youth are the hope and the future of our beloved country,” Marcos said, emphasizing his unwavering trust in the potential of the young generation. “I encourage you to enrich your talents and abilities because in the future we will rely on your unity in building a beautiful, prosperous, and resilient Philippines,” the President said. “Because of this, expect our full support in promoting your welfare and fulfilling your dreams for yourselves and our nation,” he added. The Chief Executive urged the youth to use their talents and abilities to help build a beautiful, prosperous, and resilient country. Filipino Youth Day is celebrated on 19 June, the birthday of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. President Elpidio Quirino issued the official proclamation in 1948. The day is a time for celebrating Filipino youth’s achievements and encouraging them to continue to be active participants in their communities and the country. The post Build better Phl, Marcos dares youth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating bikes with Tour de McDo
After the success of its first Tour de McDo, McDonald’s Philippines hosts its second community bike ride in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country — Pampanga, Intramuros and Tagaytay. Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign — the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations. Through Tour de McDo, McDonald’s encourages its customers to explore a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the environment, while also highlighting various scenic cycling routes passing through McDonald’s stores equipped with bike-friendly features. Earlier this year, Tour de McDo’s first round highlighted McDonald’s fifth flagship Green and Good store — the McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa branch. McDonald’s Nuvali, the QSR giant’s 700th store nationwide, boasts of bike-friendly features, utility-efficient solutions and green building solutions. Aside from its sustainable restaurant innovations, the strategic location of the store makes it an ideal stop for the strong cycling community in Nuvali. Three new scenic routes The sophomore ride now features three new scenic routes to cater to the different levels of cycling: Intramuros, Manila for the beginner route (20km); Clark, Pampanga for the intermediate route (34km); and Tagaytay for the advanced route (48km). Almost 100 participants joined the event and received Tour de McDo kits, which include an exclusive Tour de McDo Dri Fit shirt, Tour de McDo limited-edition stickers, and a McDonald’s breakfast meal, all for free. “For a long time, our McDonald’s stores have played an integral role in many bike rides as a stopover or pit stop. This has allowed us to find more ways to bring together the interests of our customers and care for the planet, under our Green and Good campaign. By promoting sustainable active mobility through Tour de McDo, we hope to encourage more people to get on a bike, so we can collectively do our part in lessening CO2 emissions,” shared McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. McDonald’s stores featured in the various routes were McDonald’s Quirino Mabini, McDonald’s Clark CM Recto Pampanga, McDonald’s Porac Pampanga, McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, and McDonald’s Delos Reyes, Tagaytay all offering bike-friendly features such as a Bike & Dine facility, so that cyclists can dine in while their bikes are kept safe. The stores also opened dedicated Bike Repair Stations offering free use of tools for any basic repairs. The post Celebrating bikes with Tour de McDo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Tour De McDo
After the success of its first Tour de McDo, McDonald’s Philippines hosts its second community bike ride in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country – Pampanga, Intramuros, and Tagaytay. Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign – the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations. Through Tour de McDo, McDonald’s encourages its customers to explore a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the environment, while also highlighting various scenic cycling routes that pass through McDonald’s stores equipped with bike-friendly features. Earlier this year, Tour de McDo’s first round highlighted McDonald’s fifth flagship Green and Good store–the McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa branch. McDonald’s Nuvali, the QSR giant’s 700th store nationwide, boasts its bike-friendly features, utility-efficient solutions, and green building solutions. Aside from its sustainable restaurant innovations, the strategic location of the store makes it an ideal stop for the strong cycling community in Nuvali. The sophomore ride now features three new scenic routes to cater to the different levels of cycling: Manila, Intramuros for the beginner route (20KM), Clark, Pampanga for the intermediate route (34KM), and Tagaytay for the advanced route (48KM). Almost 100 participants joined the event and received Tour de McDo kits, which include an exclusive Tour de McDo Dri Fit shirt, Tour de McDo limited-edition stickers, and a McDonald’s breakfast meal, all for free. “For a long time, our McDonald’s stores have played an integral role in many bike rides as a stopover or pit stop. This allowed us to find more ways to bring together the interests of our customers and care for the planet, under our Green and Good campaign. By promoting sustainable active mobility through Tour de McDo, we hope to encourage more people to get on a bike, so we can collectively do our part in lessening CO2 emissions,” shared McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. McDonald’s stores featured in the various routes were: McDonald’s Quirino Mabini, McDonald’s Clark CM Recto Pampanga, McDonald’s Porac Pampanga, McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, and McDonald’s Delos Reyes, Tagaytay all offer bike-friendly features such as a Bike & Dine facility, so that cyclists can dine in with the safety of their bikes. The stores also opened dedicated Bike Repair Stations that offer free use of tools for any basic repairs. Cyclists Meal for weekend bike rides Extending the celebration of World Bicycle Day throughout the month, McDonald’s Philippines introduces its Cyclists Meal, a special McDonald’s App offer available for all weekends of June 2023. Cyclists who go on weekend rides can pass by any McDonald’s store and present the Cyclists Meal voucher on the McDonald’s app to get a Cheesy Eggdesal with Sausage and a Medium McCafe Iced Coffee Original for only 99 pesos. The McDonald’s Promo App is available to download for free on the Google Play store for Android users and the Apple App store for iOS users. To stay updated for the next Tour de McDo and other cycling-related initiatives, follow McDonald’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The post Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Tour De McDo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global Month of Good: Fighting hunger, ensuring water access
Since 2011, Starbucks and its partners (employees) around the world have been dedicated to improving their local communities by celebrating the month of April as a time for community service and implementing a range of initiatives that positively impact the planet. With over 400 stores across the market, Starbucks Philippines uses its scale to address important issues such as hunger relief, reusability and access to clean drinking water. Starbucks Philippines’ ongoing partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga program provides nutritious meals to children over a 120-day program. Last month, partner volunteers prepared meals for over 350 children from Catmon, Cebu, the company’s first community supported through Kusina ng Kalinga outside of Metro Manila. In addition, a new Global Community Impact Grant awarded in April from The Starbucks Foundation will enable Gawad Kalinga to provide nutritious meals to an additional 1,200 children, host family health and nutrition educational workshops and train 30 Community Food Farmers to build vegetable gardens in the Visayas region. In partnership with Grab and the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, the company expanded Starbucks FoodShare from Metro Manila to 13 additional stores in Cebu last month. Since the program launched in March 2022, partners connect with Grab drivers daily to deliver rescuable food from their stores to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, which then distributes donations to communities in need of food assistance. Beneficiaries in Cebu include Balay Samaritano sa Sugbo Shelter, Don Bosco Provincial House and Our Lady of Lourdes Feeding Center. The company also had its second “Fill It Forward” Starbucks Venti Van stop at Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa on 29 April. The initiative encouraged customers to participate in Starbucks FoodShare by purchasing a cookie for P50, the proceeds of which were then donated to various beneficiaries through the Philippine FoodBank Foundation. [caption id="attachment_140676" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Starbucks had its second ‘Fill It Forward’ Starbucks Venti Van stop at Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa on 29 April.[/caption] Joining hands with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on alleviating the global water crisis, partner volunteers successfully built Starbucks Philippines’ fourth AquaTower at San Antonio Central School in San Antonio, Quezon on 4 April. Through this long-standing partnership, 1,800 community residents are able to easily access safe drinking water and handwashing stations through an AquaTower. The partners also led hygiene education activities with local students. Starbucks Philippines has been incentivizing customers to bring their own reusable cups through the Bring Your Own Reusable Cup program. Customers receive P10 off their order when they bring any personal reusable cups from all stores nationwide. In celebration of Global Month of Good, Starbucks Philippines added 5 Bonus Stars on top of the P10 discount for Starbucks Rewards Members. Customers enjoyed this additional promo for every transaction throughout the whole month of April. The post Global Month of Good: Fighting hunger, ensuring water access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bataan’s first mall brings job opportunities to locals
SM City Bataan reflects the values of the local community with over 96 percent of the mall’s administration staff being Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. With a workforce of over a thousand across mall tenants — and still increasing — the mall proudly showcases the skills and expertise of the community. Congressman Albert S. Garcia, Bataan’s 2nd District representative, joined thousands of Bataeños on the opening of SM City Bataan, the first SM mall in the province and the 83rd nationwide, expressing his support and heralding the positive economic implications of the mall’s establishment to the province as a whole. Cong. Garcia said: “When we had the ocular for the different stores during the blessing, we found out that almost everyone working there is from Bataan. They are residents of either Balanga, Pilar, Orani, Orion or Hermosa. I’m happy to know that these jobs are filled by Bataeños. That is really what we were aiming for to begin with — to present more job opportunities that will help make the lives of every Bataeño better.” Roberto Santos, the owner of Chedeng’s Snack Bar, expressed his joy at the presence of many local brands that are now in SM City Bataan. “It’s a big thing that homegrown local brands are now in SM,” he said. “In addition to helping fellow Bataeños, many will be motivated as well to go out and do business with SM to promote the local food industries of the province.” Garcia also lauded SM City Bataan’s effort to extend support to the province’s local development by featuring homegrown businesses (including family-owned brands and locally managed franchises) in different prominent spaces within the mall which makes it a hub that truly connects communities across the province. [caption id="attachment_139822" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (FROM left) SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. president Hans T. Sy Jr., SM Supermalls president Steven T. Tan, Bataan Vice Governor Cristina M. Garcia, Balanga Bishop Rev. Ruperto Santo, Balanga Vice Mayor Vianca Lita Gozon, 2nd District Representative Albert S. Garcia, SM Prime Holdings Inc. president Jeffrey C. Lim and Super Value Inc. president Herbert T. Sy.[/caption] Major destination Located in Downtown Balanga, Bataan’s capital city, the newest mall from SM stands as a reliable community partner with its residents not only through its contribution to the local economy but by serving as a center of accessibility with the incorporation of the Bataan Common Terminal in the mall compound. “The common terminal serves all public utility vehicles in and out of the city,” said Jhoanalyn Gatdula, assistant mall manager of SM City Bataan. “Not only will this help the general workforce of the mall, but it will also bring comfort to all our commuting customers. Accessibility does not end with the mall’s physical structure alone. The 24th mall in North Luzon developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property arm of SM Investments Corporation, SM City Bataan is strategically located in the capital. Through the terminal hubs surrounding SM City Bataan, the mall provides a venue for visitors to conveniently explore what the province has to offer — whether it’s the stone-throw Spanish-inspired Plaza Mayor in the capital or the hidden gem that is Dunsulan Falls behind Mt. Samat, tourists and Bataeños alike can explore to their heart’s content. Mural As visitors step into SM City Bataan, they are greeted by a mural with clay pots or banga that capture an aspect of the cultural identity of its residents celebrating the namesake of its capital Balanga. Entrance two on the other end renews the province’s commitment to preserving its environment as gel lights-formed birds representing the Ibong Dayo festival were integrated into another mural as a nod to the efforts of the city’s Wetland and Nature Park, an outdoor sanctuary in the protection of migratory birds. The post Bataan’s first mall brings job opportunities to locals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl’s 100th Power Mac
Power Mac Center is celebrating its biggest milestone yet — the opening of its 100th location nationwide in the brand-new SM City Bataan. This store is an addition to the wide network of PMC and The Loop retail branches, as well as Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide. PMC’s strategic locations enable the company to provide the best Apple experience to all Filipinos wherever they are across the archipelago. “With every location we reach, we aim to make a home for communities that share our passion for technology and build great experiences for them. As we open our 100th home, we celebrate those communities and look forward to serving more in the future,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC director of product management and marketing. Established in 1994, Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Provider, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the country. It also recently obtained “Apple Premium Partner” status, which is the global tech giant’s newest and highest distinction of reseller retail stores globally, with the opening of the Philippines’ first APP store in Power Plant Mall. PMC SM City Bataan at the Second Level Cyberzone is the second branch in the province and the seventh overall location in Central Luzon, following branches in SM City Pampanga, SM City Telabastagan, SM City Clark (Mobile Care service center), Vista Mall Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central and Harbor Point Mall. The post Phl’s 100th Power Mac appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
YOU GO, GIRLS!
Last Mother’s Day, 14 May 2023, marked an auspicious occasion, as Elevate AIDA (artificial intelligence and data analytics), a collaborative effort between Connected Women and the Aboitiz Foundation that began as a small training program for 60 women from Toledo City in Cebu, is now a community of 300 connected women with a goal of reaching 300,000 women in three years. Embodying the strength, resilience, and enduring love of mothers and daughters worldwide, the project aims to uplift the lives of Filipino women by offering them a chance to embrace socially responsible online work. Aboitiz Foundation, as part of the Aboitiz Group’s quest to become the Philippines’ first “techglomerate,” has set its sights on enabling women’s empowerment through the use of technology. Their goal aligns with Connected Women’s vision to help women gain access to digital skills, opening doors for financial independence, the pursuit of meaningful careers, and the ability to build a better future. [caption id="attachment_140031" align="aligncenter" width="804"] the Aboitiz Group further empowers women in tech as it scales its partnership with Connected Women into a national program. This continues the Group’s strong corporate social responsibility legacy and innovation advocacy. Upper photo: Shie, one of the beneficiaries, uses her computer to access the Elevate AIDA program.[/caption] “It was evident that our shared vision and commitment to empowering women and leveraging technology for positive change aligned perfectly. We look forward to continuing this incredible partnership with Connected Women and further amplifying our impact, as together, we co-create a resilient, empowered, and sustainable community,” said Aboitiz Foundation president Maribeth Marasigan. In the age of rapid technological progress, the Elevate AIDA project is perfectly timed as it seeks to prepare women for a future dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data science. The graduates of the program are expected to gain market-aligned skills that will provide them access to long-term, flexible work and livelihood opportunities. This initiative is not just about empowering individuals; it’s about creating a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and even future generations. The program doesn’t stop at skills training. It also fosters a vibrant community of support, facilitating networking and connection. Through this collective journey, participants are not only trained with new skills but also find their place within a nurturing community. The collaboration between Connected Women and the Aboitiz Group transcends a simple partnership and spans across several of the conglomerate’s business units, who all share a deep-rooted commitment to empowering women and leveraging technology for positive change. Together with the Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Data Innovation, Visayan Electric Company, Therma Visayas Inc., Aboitiz Land, and the Union Bank of the Philippines are all playing a role in expanding Elevate AIDA’s reach with speed, synergy, and scale. “This is a techglomerate in action,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz’s Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer. “Our combined efforts are co-creating a resilient and sustainable community, one tech-empowered woman at a time.” Providing this opportunity to women, especially mothers, is vital in creating a more equitable future. Elevate AIDA seeks to harness the power of technology to enable women from all walks of life to thrive and grow, both personally and professionally. It’s about creating an inclusive future of work that allows women to build successful careers from their homes, earn decent wages and actively participate in the digital community. Kris Ann Marie Escopete, a 21-year-old mother from Carreta, Cebu, is the youngest among the mother-beneficiaries of Elevate AIDA. On the opportunity, she shared: “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa Elevate AIDA kay dako kaayo siyag tabang namong mga inahan, kay bisan pag naa rami sa among balay, makapanginabuhi gihapon mi bisan pag nagbantay mi sa among mga anak (I am very grateful to Elevate AIDA because it provides significant assistance to us mothers. Even when we are at home, we can still generate income while taking care of our children.)” Connected Women founder and head of Special Project Gina Romero neatly encapsulates the essence of the program, saying “We are celebrating not just your amazing journey as part of Elevate AIDA but also the important role you play as mothers. Working remotely and having flexibility is the future. Your courage in taking a step towards empowering and upskilling yourself more for technology will not go unrewarded.” To date, Elevate AIDA has empowered over 50,000 Filipino women with digital skills that have opened job opportunities. The program is an inspiring collaboration and a testament to the reality that nobody can achieve greatness alone. Elevate AIDA not only celebrates the incredible potential of women everywhere, but the immense power of people and partnerships that make true equality real and possible. The post YOU GO, GIRLS! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM City Bataan: Growth center and gateway to the province
SM City Bataan reflects the values of the local community with over 96 percent of the mall’s administration staff being Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. With a workforce of over a thousand across mall tenants—and still increasing, the mall proudly showcases the skills and expertise of the community. Congressman Albert S. Garcia, Bataan’s 2nd District Representative, joined thousands of Bataeños on the opening of SM City Bataan, the first SM mall in the province and the 83rd nationwide, expressing his support and heralding the positive economic implications of the mall’s establishment to the province as a whole. Cong. Garcia said, “When we had the ocular for the different stores during the blessing, we found out that almost everyone working there is from Bataan. They are residents of either Balanga, Pilar, Orani, Orion, or Hermosa. I’m happy to know that these jobs are filled by Bataeños. That is really what we were aiming for to begin with – to present more job opportunities that will help make the lives of every Bataeño better.” Roberto Santos, the owner of Chedeng’s Snack Bar, expressed his joy at the presence of many local brands that are now in SM City Bataan. “It’s a big thing that homegrown local brands are now in SM,” he said. “In addition to helping fellow Bataeños, many will be motivated as well to go out and do business with SM to promote the local food industries of the province.” Garcia also lauded SM City Bataan’s effort to extend support to the province’s local development by featuring homegrown businesses (including family-owned brands and locally managed franchises) in different prominent spaces within the mall which makes it a hub that truly connects communities across the province. Located in Downtown Balanga, Bataan’s capital city, the newest mall from SM stands as a reliable community partner with its residents not only through its contribution to the local economy but by serving as a center of accessibility with the incorporation of the Bataan Common Terminal in the mall compound. “The common terminal serves all public utility vehicles in and out of the city,” said Jhoanalyn Gatdula, assistant mall manager of SM City Bataan. “Not only will this help the general workforce of the mall, but it will also bring comfort to all our commuting customers. Accessibility does not end with the mall’s physical structure alone. The 24th mall in North Luzon developed by SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the property arm of SM Investments Corporation, SM City Bataan is strategically located in the capital. Through the terminal hubs surrounding SM City Bataan, the mall provides a venue for visitors to conveniently explore what the province has to offer -- whether it’s the stone-throw Spanish-inspired Plaza Mayor in the capital, or the hidden gem that is Dunsulan Falls behind Mt. Samat, tourists and Bataeños alike can explore to their heart’s content. As visitors step into SM City Bataan, they are greeted by a mural with clay pots or ‘banga’ that capture an aspect of the cultural identity of its residents celebrating the namesake of its capital Balanga. Entrance two on the other end renews the province’s commitment to preserving its environment as gel lights-formed birds representing the Ibong Dayo festival were integrated into another mural as a nod to the efforts of the city’s Wetland and Nature Park, an outdoor sanctuary in the protection of migratory birds. True to the notion that every SM City is unique, SM City Bataan takes pride in its lively and modern take on how a shopping mall should make one feel. Beyond the abundance of shopping and dining options, there are also installations such as The Art In Motion that elevate the mall experience. Once there, viewers are taken on a captivating journey through various natural backdrops, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere within the mall. It goes naturally with the wood-like accents and earthy tones throughout SM City Bataan. Overall, SM City Bataan attempts to go beyond the ‘box-type’ feel usually seen in other malls. From the mall design to the tenants it houses, it aims to give back to the warmth it received from the community and celebrate the identity of the province and the people it serves. The post SM City Bataan: Growth center and gateway to the province appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IDAHOBIT observation highlights diversity and unity
On 17 May, the LGBTQ+ community, their allies and many agencies observed International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia or IDAHOBIT, which is meant to raise awareness on the discrimination, marginalization and violence experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s commemoration carried the worldwide theme “Together Always: United in Diversity.” For the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the theme “reminds us of the importance of solidarity towards battling discrimination.” “[W]e encourage business owners, leaders and influential individuals to raise our flag with pride, in their respective businesses and communities, in signaling allyship and respect for the LGBTQIA+ people. Let us promote an environment where people come together against stereotyping and discrimination, and where they are introduced to organizational values that effectively advocate a diverse workspace that includes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics,” they said. For the Southeast Asian network ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, the day “aims to celebrate and appreciate the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ community, but the day is also the commemoration of our collective struggles.” IDAHOBIT “marks one of the most momentous turning points in the struggle for gender equality — the declassification of homosexuality as a disorder by the World Health Organization. A breakthrough in the recognition of the natural diversity in society and a step forward to materializing a just and equal world,” according to UP (University of the Philippines) Babaylan. “However, in this modern reality, it cannot be denied that our systems are plagued with the constant threats of impunity, indifference and violence. In the Philippines alone, many names have been victims to the rampant narratives of discrimination... the need to hold the line and ensure rights for all remains an arduous endeavor. From the margins to the center, every identity is met with oppression and challenged by circumstances,” the campus-based LGBTQ+ explained. “To this day, we remember each story and utter every name as a promise that the struggle lives on so that nobody might be next and that justice be served to those that came before us.” They further said: “As such, the movement finds itself emboldened with the pride and power of the collective. We recognize that there is no greater system than that of the people in pursuit of a shared goal: respect for human rights, reclamation of identities and acceptance of diversity.” UP Babaylan held a week-long celebration for IDAHOBIT called Here for Queers. From 17 to 19 May, the group organized the Intergalactic Expo Bazaar at the Rainbow Crosswalk, in front of the West Wing of Palma Hall, featuring queer-owned businesses. Aside from booths selling food and clothes, there is also a booth offering free HIV testing in partnership with HASH. [caption id="attachment_137956" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UP BABAYLAN | UP Babaylan’s Intergalactic Expo Bazaar at the UP Diliman campus.[/caption] On 19 May, the Multidimensional FSL Workshop was held, where speakers Erika Allosa and Abraham Bagasin from Pinoy Deaf Rainbow taught the basics of Filipino Sign Language as well as sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics or SOGIESC. Here for Queers culminated with Benefit Concert: An Interstellar Night on 20 May at the Sky Bistro Ever with drag queens Mrs. Tan, Myx Chanel, Maria Christina, Inah Demons, Aries Night and Korona Dvil, and other performers Stef Aranas, Pixie Lanrador, Pointyyy, Lance Reblando taking center stage. Profits will be donated to Pinoy Deaf Rainbow. On IDAHOBIT, Pride PH intensified its call on schools to recognize and accept transgender at non-binary students. The group continues to help students with their schools that refuses to be inclusive. Aside from LGBTQ+ groups, foreign embassies also joined in celebrating IDAHOBIT. The German Embassy Manila has partnered with Zamboanga City-based Mujer LGBT Organization for the Human Rights Caravan to engage with local government units in Mindanao by providing gender and sexual orientation sensitivity training and teaching the importance of anti-discrimination policies especially when providing services to their LGBTQ+ constituents. The Caravan has been to Dipolog City, Isabela, Pagadian City, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City. According to the embassy, “As co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition, Germany is working to promote respect, acceptance and equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities. We encourage societies to reflect on the impact of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and take action to combat these forms of discrimination.” The United States Embassy in the Philippines said that “the United States reaffirms our commitment to end discrimination and violence so that all of our LGBTQI+ friends, colleagues, neighbors and family may live freely with dignity and equal respect for their human rights.” “Countries are stronger when the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons are protected and respected,” they emphasized. The post IDAHOBIT observation highlights diversity and unity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SHDA celebrates 53 years of building livable, affordable communities
For over half a century, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. has been at the forefront of providing quality housing solutions for Filipino families. Founded in 1970, the association has since been committed to developing livable and affordable communities that promote the well-being of its residents. This year, the SHDA celebrates its 53rd anniversary on 18 May 2023 at Marquis Events Place in BGC, Taguig City with a grand celebration that recognizes its accomplishments and looks forward to a more sustainable future. The theme for this year's celebration is "SHDA: Forging Livable and Affordable Communities Towards Sustainable Nation Building." In her message, SHDA Chairman, Ms. Arlene C. Keh highlighted: "In our 53 years of existence, SHDA has been steadfast in our commitment to provide quality homes to Filipinos. We are proud of the milestones we have achieved, including the partnerships we’ve had in the spirit of continuing our mission and vision. As we continue to navigate through the challenges of the industry, we remain committed to our vision of being the leading advocate of sustainable, affordable, and inclusive housing in the Philippines." As part of the celebration, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Ms. Marilene C. Acosta spoke on SHDA and Pag-IBIG Fund’s partnership: "Whenever I am asked why I have devoted all those years to the Pag-IBIG Fund, my answer is always quite simple. It is because Pag-IBIG pursues the same values and advocacies that I hold. I believe that the same holds true for SHDA. Your members' shared pursuit of your vision and mission has allowed you to remain a strong, vibrant, and crucial partner in the development of housing policies in our country." SHDA's involvement extends beyond its partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The association has actively contributed to the establishment of key institutions that promote the growth and development of the housing sector. The event was not only about celebrating SHDA's achievements but also about launching new programs and initiatives to further its mission. Among these is the SHDA Cares program, which aims to extend the organization's reach to more communities in need through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. Co-chaired by Ms. Clarissa G. De Joya and Mr. Herbert Tan, the CSR Committee also launched National Developers Convention 2023, a conference that will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss current issues and developments in the housing industry. Attendees were also given a sneak peek of what to expect at the 8th Housing Expo, which promises to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and best practices in the industry. In addition to these new initiatives, the event highlighted the partnership between Habitat for Humanity Philippines and SHDA. As part of the celebration, a ceremonial MOU signing or donation handover between both organizations’ representatives, SHDA Chairman, Ms. Arlene C. Keh, and National President, Ar. Leonardo B. Dayao, Jr., and Habitat for Humanity Philippines' Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Mardi Mapa-Suplido, took part. This partnership is a testament to SHDA's commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through housing and their dedication to working with other organizations to achieve this goal. The post SHDA celebrates 53 years of building livable, affordable communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL — Invest in our planet
The country joins the world in celebrating Earth Day today as coastal communities in several provinces continue to reel from the impact of a massive oil spill......»»
Filipino artists dedicate murals to Kobe Bryant during Mamba Week
Nike Philippines honored the legacy of Kobe Bryant (1978 – 2020) with Mamba Week from August 23 by bringing together athletes, communities, inspiration and innovation which commemorated his enduring legacy and transcendent Mamba Mentality. In another chapter of the Mamba Week tribute, Nike teamed up with ARAL Cru, a local graffiti trio from the community, to dedicate two murals around Metro Manila celebrating Kobe Bryant, his legacy and Mamba Mentality. Marking the Black Mamba’s Last Historic Visit (in Araneta City) The first mural that ARAL Cru created directly faces the historic Araneta Coliseum, the venue where Kobe Bryant made his last appearance in Manila. Araneta City, Philippines The portrait of Kobe on the right side of the artwork is derived from a photo of him smiling during his last visit to the coliseum. This mural depicts imagery of fearlessness and focus, and a color scheme that resembles a sunset, which sets a tone of thankfulness for a good Kobe day that had passed. A New Day Dawning (at EDSA-Kalayaan) ARAL Cru relocated to Makai City to paint the second mural a few hours later. Symbolizing the sunrise and the beginning of a new day, this mural uses the same colors as the first but moving towards the opposite direction. EDSA-Kalayaan The mural depicts Kobe wearing his two iconic jersey numbers, 8 and 24, shooting crumpled pieces of paper into a trash bin. An optimistic way of showing the moment when we are reminded to be a little better each time the sun rises, just like Kobe. Throughout his career he evolved both as a person and as an athlete, he was always the one you could reliably turn to when the game is on the line. Behind the Art (About ARAL Cru) ARAL Cru consists of Bvdot, Cinos, and Frank, a three-man graffiti crew from the Greater Manila Area. Through street painting and gallery work across Philippines, they are today recognized as one the most respected young talents in the street art movement in the country. Hard work, quality of execution, the ability to work under pressure, and of course, love for the game— this is how the ARAL Cru artists truly embody Mamba Mentality in their own lives. Kayo Cosio of #HoneycombArts organized and curated this project. #HoneycombArts is an organization that connects culture and messaging through a variety of public art mediums. They have also curated and executed over 60 public art projects in Manila and abroad......»»
Celebrating fathers
Against the nerve-wracking coronavirus pandemic silent by the walls of Filipino homes, we stand up and celebrate our fathers tomorrow for their influence and in the family —the basic social unit—and their communities outside......»»