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SM Little Stars Crowns Its First-Ever Grand Shining and Dazzling Stars

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  Gratiela Thresse M. Urmeneta of SM City Manila and Amiah Kaea Yzobel Quimzon of SM City Butuan capture SM Little Stars 2026's highest honors The Grand Shining Star, Grand Dazzling Star, and runners-up pose with the SM Little Stars 2026 judges and organizers following the Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.   MANILA , Philippines, 11th August 2026 — From thousands of hopefuls across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, thirty of the country’s brightest young dreamers took center stage at the SM Little Stars 2026 Grand Finals. Captivating the audience at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the finalists showcased exceptional talent and charm in a nationwide celebration of Filipino youth. More than a talent search, the annual competition highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to discovering and nurturing limitless potential from every corner of the Philippines as these children embrace the biggest stage of their young lives.   The Grand Finals marked the culmination o...

The Blackout Zone: SM Cares, CHED Turn Experience Into Understanding

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — SM Cares , in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), brought The Blackout Zone to the CHED Central Office Auditorium at the Higher Education Development Center Building in Diliman, Quezon City from July 21 to 22, 2026. Developed through SM’s Mall for All drive on inclusivity, the immersive exhibit invited students, educators, and members of the academic community to experience life without sight in a controlled and safe environment. Participants were guided through everyday activities designed to encourage them to look beyond limitations and recognize the abilities, independence, and resilience of people with visual impairments. “Sometimes, understanding begins when we are willing to step outside what is familiar,” said Richard V. Caluyo, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Cares. “By bringing The Blackout Zone closer to schools and the academic community, we hope to inspire young people and educators to help build learning environment...
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  If you're always on the lookout for what's new, you're in the right place! And yes, we’re sure you saw the photo above…the most-awaited tumbler brand now officially made its way to the Philippines! 🫶🏼 From brands opening their very first stores to exciting new dining concepts and lifestyle favorites arriving at SM, brings plenty of fresh reasons to stop by. Here's a look at the latest openings across Metro Manila.   ●       Garmin Experience the newly opened biggest Garmin store in Southeast Asia at Level 4, Mega B, SM Megamall . Explore Garmin's full lineup of GPS smartwatches, fitness trackers, cycling computers, dive watches, and outdoor navigation devices—all in one immersive space designed for athletes, adventurers, and everyday movers alike.   ●       Benlai Find your next everyday essential at Benlai , now at Level 1, North Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia ! Making its Philippine debut , the brand bring...

From the Academe to Adulthood: Vista Residences University Series Redefines Student Living in the Metro

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The university experience begins well before the first class and extends long into a student's professional journey. Moving to the capital requires young regional scholars to navigate an unfamiliar metropolis and practice independent decision-making. To support this monumental step toward self-reliance, a student residence must go beyond basic lodging, serving as a secure sanctuary that fosters academic focus, community connection, and long-term personal growth. From regional roots to metropolitan routines The influx of regional scholars into Metro Manila is part of a broader, macroeconomic shift. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data reveals that young adults aged 15 to 34 comprise the largest demographic among the capital’s 5.47 million lifetime migrants. Attracted by a unique convergence of top-tier academe, business districts, and institutional infrastructure, these individuals anchor a massive student market. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) figures validate this...

Torres Brandy Hosts Exclusive Two-Night Bar Takeover With Global Ambassador Cristobal Cofré

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  Alternative Headlines: 1. Torres Brings   Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré to Manila for Two-Night Bar Takeover 2. Manila’s Cocktail Scene Takes the Spotlight as Torres Brandy Holds Bar Takeover with Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré MANILA, Philippines -- Spanish spirits brand Torres brought its Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré to the country for an exclusive bar takeover at AKA Day/Night Drinks in Timog, Quezon City last July 24, and at Polilya Craft Beer and Cocktails in Poblacion, Makati last July 25 . The Philippines was the renowned bartender’s first stop for his regional tour before heading to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars event. “We chose to come to Manila first because it is a highly important and dynamic market , “ said Torres Spirits Regional Manager Ricard Vidal. “ The historical and cultural links between Spain and the Philippines create a natural bridge that facilitates brand storytelling, connection with consumers, and long-term brand...

Slice of Rome, Heart of the Philippines: The Villa Parmigiana Experience

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There’s something extra special about sharing a meal with the people you love—and that’s exactly the vibe you get at Villa Parmigiano, an Italian restaurant tucked into the quiet, wealthy streets of Alabang. From the outside, it looks like a rustic Italian country house. Step inside and you’re greeted by high ceilings, warm lighting, and that cozy “nonna’s kitchen” aroma—like wood-fired pizza and simmering sauces filling the air. Villa Parmigiano isn’t just another Italian spot. It’s built on generations of family recipes, reimagined with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant sources real Italian flour for its pasta and pizza, then pairs them with locally grown vegetables and fresh seafood for that perfect balance of authentic and local. And who better to whip up our favorite Italian classics than the people who grew up with them? At Villa Parmigiano, the kitchen is led by chefs straight from Italy—the very Cradle of the Renaissance. Chefs Paolo Collavini and David Ceci bring...

McDonald's Philippines and Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Quezon City Chapter Partner to Bring Legal Aid Closer tMo Communities

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Quezon City, Philippines — McDonald's Philippines has formalized a partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Quezon City Chapter (IBP-QC) to support the Supreme Court's Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) program and bring legal services closer to underserved communities. Through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), McDonald’s Philippines’ legal team and its legal partners will participate in legal aid and community outreach activities under the ULAS-accredited programs of IBP-QC, transforming their mandatory legal aid obligations into a meaningful volunteerism initiative through the Good Trip Platform, McDonald’s Philippines official volunteerism program. "Today, we are not just signing a Memorandum of Agreement. We are affirming a shared commitment to expand access to justice and serve communities in ways that are meaningful and lasting," said Atty. Benjamin Jeremias B. Cruz II, General Counsel and Legal Head of McDonald’s Philippines. Guided by McDonald...

McDonald’s Brings Back the Extra in Snacking through McSavers Snack & Match and Limited-Time Snack Offers

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MANILA, Philippines – McDonald’s Philippines is bringing back the extra in snacking with exciting new flavors, introducing three new limited-time offers that customers can enjoy as solo for P59 or combo for P79 under McSavers Snack and Match. Starting July 3, customers can Snack and Match their way to extra fun merienda moments with friends, co-workers, and family members with the new Choco Lava Puff, Poptato, and Taro Custard Pie. These snacks bring new and exciting flavorful combinations to the Filipino merienda experience. “For countless generations, the merienda has been the Pinoy way of not just having daily well-deserved breaks but also of bonding and connecting with others. Whether with classmates in school, with co-workers between meetings and tasks, or even with loved ones in between chores at home, merienda is our way to recharge before we continue our day. “We know how merienda is an important part of our day, spending it with our loved ones. With that in mind, we’re intro...

SM Brings Bayanihan to Schools

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SM Supermalls joins Brigada Eskwela 2026 to help create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming learning spaces Through SM Cares, SM Supermalls supported the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026 as part of its continuing commitment to youth empowerment, nation-building, and community service. In time for the start of classes, participating SM teams from its most-loved malls nationwide worked hand in hand with partner schools to help create learning environments that are cleaner, safer, and more inspiring for students and teachers. Guided by this year’s theme, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” SM employee-volunteers, together with school communities, local partners, teachers, parents, and volunteers, came together to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes. The volunteer activities included general cleaning of classrooms, corridors, and school grounds; repainting and repair of walls, furniture, and school facilities; minor repairs and ...