Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in Lolong's life as he plunges into a whirlwind of unpredictable twists and turns in the heart of Manila in “Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila” beginning March 27.

After losing his powers and the people he holds dear—including Tiya Isabel (Tetchie Agbayani) and Elsie (Shaira Diaz)—Lolong (Ruru Madrid) also loses his sense of self. Determined to rebuild his life, he decides to leave his small town and bid farewell to his extraordinary friend, Dakila.

Seeking a fresh start in the unfamiliar streets of Manila, Lolong is thrust into a whirlwind of new experiences and formidable challenges. He soon discovers a shocking truth: the parents he believed to be his own were never his real parents. Who could they be? Adding to the mystery, he learns that he may have fathered children with Elsie.

Seven years later, Lolong embarks on a new journey, with new faces set to play pivotal roles in his life. How will they reshape his destiny?

Adding excitement to the powerful cast of Lolong is a set of fresh faces: Ms. Tessie Tomas as Lola Grasya; Rowell Santiago as Manuel Magtalas; Ketchup Eusebio as Badong; Matt Lozano as Benjo; Yasser Marta as Goryo; Wendell Ramos as Pacquito; Elle Villanueva as Tetet; Andrea del Rosario as Rosenda; and many more.

Catch “Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila” weeknights after 24 Oras on GMA Prime beginning March 27. Global Pinoys can also watch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

PLDT Home’s pioneering broadband festival is back for its second year—with bigger surprises in more areas nationwide. Fiber Fest widens its reach in 2025, bringing same-day fiber installations, ultra-fast broadband, and exclusive digital experiences to more communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Bringing Fiber Connectivity, One Barangay at a Time

With PLDT Home’s ever-expanding fiber network, more Filipino families can now enjoy next-level connectivity with Wi-Fi 6-ready plans supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Whether for remote work, streaming, gaming, or smart home setups, these high-speed fiber plans ensure seamless performance.

“Fiber Fest aims to make reliable internet more accessible to broader communities,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing. “By bringing PLDT Home’s broadband and digital services to more barangays across the country, we promote digital transformation, encourage community development, and create growth opportunities.”

Building on its success, Fiber Fest is expanding to even more barangays, accelerating the rollout of PLDT Home’s reliable fiber network—especially in underserved communities.

What to Expect at the Fiber Fest

Here’s what Fiber Fest-goers can look forward to:

· Exclusive Deals: Get the best broadband deals and rewards available exclusively at Fiber Fest. Enjoy free speedboost and save up to P3,600 waived installation and activation fees for new subscribers. Switching to PLDT Home Fiber plan? Then enjoy a 50% off monthly service fees for six months. Existing PLDT Home subscribers upgrading to Fiber Netflix Plan, Fiber Unli All, or Fiber Unli Plan also get free speedboost and exclusive rewards.

· Same-day Installation: Customers will enjoy same-day installation of their PLDT Home Fiber plan when they apply at the Fiber Fest.

· Exciting Rewards: Sign up for Home Rewards program and receive 120 free Rewards Crystals which can be redeemed for bill rebates, discounts, and exclusive treats.

· The Best Digital Offers, All in One Place: PLDT Home has partnered with Smart, Maya, mWell and Next Upgrade to bring exciting promos for the best digital experiences – mobile connectivity, seamless cashless payment, health and wellness services, and smart home solutions.

· Local talent and Interactive Entertainment: Experience an action-packed day of games and entertainment, featuring Netflix-inspired activities and the Barangay Olympics. PLDT Home has also partnered with TikTok to showcase the best local talents and connect them with wider online audiences with the country’s first-ever TikTok Star Search at the Fiber Fest.

· Live Celebrity Performances: Enjoy electrifying performances from Eleven11, and special guest appearances from PLDT High Speed Hitters.

First Stop: Pasig City

Kicking off in Pasig, Pasigueños enjoyed activities and surprises from PLDT Home. Celebrities and guest performers including Dylan Menor, Eleven11, and PLDT High Speed Hitters including Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Jessey de Leon, and Rachel Austero also joined in the fun.

Catch the next runs of Fiber Fest in Batangas, Bulacan, Pasay, Cavite, and more! The full schedule of Barangay Fiber Fest locations and events will be announced soon on PLDT Home’s official pages.

Stay tuned and be part of the country’s biggest fiber festival.

The highly anticipated EastWest Dream Run 2025 is set to bring together thousands of running enthusiasts across three major cities—Davao (April 6), Cebu (May 4), and Manila (June 15). Organized in partnership with RUNRIO, this milestone event is a key part of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary celebrations and also aligns with the 70th Anniversary of its parent company, Filinvest. Through this event, EastWest continues to expand its efforts in promoting health, fitness, and community engagement across the country.

“At EastWest, we believe in empowering Filipinos—not just financially, but in every aspect of their lives. The EastWest Dream Run 2025 is a reflection of our mission to help individuals push their limits, whether in their financial journey or their pursuit of health and wellness,” shares Martin Reyes, EastWest SVP and Head of Marketing and Cash Management.

A Race for Everyone

With distances of 1K, 2K, 5K, 10K, and 30K, the EastWest Dream Run welcomes participants of all levels—from casual joggers to seasoned athletes. A special highlight this year is the 1K Dog Run, giving runners the chance to share the experience with their dogs in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a challenge, the 30K category provides an opportunity to test endurance.

Each runner will receive a limited-edition race kit, which includes a premium singlet, race bib, and loot bag. Finishers will take home the exclusive Dreamcatcher medal, designed as a symbol of perseverance and the pursuit of personal goals. Additionally, 30K runners will receive a special Finisher’s Shirt, and top finishers in each category will be awarded prizes from EastWest.

Beyond the race, participants can look forward to lively post-run festivities, including live entertainment, food trucks, and a dynamic community atmosphere that celebrates camaraderie and shared achievements. A portion of the proceeds will also support EastWest’s community initiatives, making every step taken in the EastWest Dream Run a step toward a greater cause.

More Than Just a Run

The EastWest Dream Run’s three-city format aligns with the Bank’s hyperlocal strategy, strengthening its presence in key regions while fostering deeper connections with local communities. By hosting the event in Davao, Cebu, and Manila, EastWest aims to inspire Filipinos to prioritize health, wellness, and financial empowerment—proving that progress happens step by step, whether in running or in life.

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Registration is ongoing via the official EastWest Dream Run website (www.eastwestbanker.com/dream-run2025).

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest HONOR Experience Store in Robinsons Ilocos are HONOR Philippines’ Public Relations Manager Pao Oga, Robinsons Ilocos Mall Manager Rayma Bumagat, Robinsons Ilocos Admin Manager John Paul Antonio, Silicon Valley Cluster Head Marco Clifford Agruda, and Concept Store Branch Manager Chona De la Cruz.

HONOR Philippines proudly unveiled its newest Experience Store at Robinsons Ilocos, marking another milestone in the brand’s expansion. Alongside this grand opening, HONOR introduced the HONOR X8c, a sleek and innovative smartphone tailored to meet the dynamic lifestyle of its users.

The event brought together HONOR fans, tech enthusiasts, media partners, and key figures from HONOR Philippines for a celebration of style and innovation. Leading the ceremonial ribbon cutting were HONOR Philippines’ Public Relations Manager Pao Oga, alongside Robinsons Ilocos Mall Manager Rayma Bumagat, Robinsons Ilocos Admin Manager John Paul Antonio, Silicon Valley Cluster Head Marco Clifford Agruda, and Concept Store Branch Manager Chona De la Cruz. Their presence underscored the brand’s commitment to growth and collaboration in the region.

A Day of Festivities and Excitement

The celebration began with a warm welcome from host Jaynard Lamarca, setting the tone for a vibrant and engaging program. Attendees were treated to an exclusive performance by local talent Michelle Pascual, who added a musical flair to the festivities.

Interactive games like the “Guess the Phone Challenge” and “Color Dodge Game” brought the audience closer to HONOR’s newest offerings, with participants walking away with exciting prizes, including cash rewards. These activities allowed attendees to experience the innovative features of the HONOR X8c firsthand, demonstrating its durability, sleek design, and powerful performance.

Where Style Meets Performance

All smiles while they check out the features of the New HONOR X8c

The HONOR X8c takes center stage with features that combine style and cutting-edge technology:

Durability: A 5-star SGS Premium Performance rating ensures superior resistance against drops and water exposure.

Visual Comfort: 3840Hz Risk-Free PWM Dimming minimizes eye strain during prolonged use.

Powerful Specs: 512GB Ultra-Large Storage and 16GB RAM for seamless multitasking and large media storage.

Innovative Features: MAGIC OS 9.0 for a personalized experience and a 50MP front camera with HONOR AI Eraser to elevate selfies.

“The opening of our newest Experience Store in Robinsons Ilocos is a testament to our commitment to making innovative technology accessible to every Filipino. The HONOR X8c, with its stylish design and powerful features, reflects our dedication to empowering users to go beyond,” shared Pao Oga during his opening remarks.

Affordable Innovation

Available for just Php 13,999, the HONOR X8c combines affordability with innovation. Customers who pre-ordered the smartphone and claimed it during the event were rewarded with freebies, including the HONOR Gift Speaker II and HONOR Earbuds II.

Celebrating Growth and Community

The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to HONOR’s loyal fans, media partners, and the Robinsons Ilocos team for their support. Guests explored the newly opened Experience Store, designed to provide an immersive and personalized retail experience.

Colors, Pricing, and Availability

The HONOR X8c is available in Midnight Black, Moonlight White, and Marrs Green. It can now be purchased at HONOR Experience Stores nationwide and online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

For more information, visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines).

Onward for women empowerment and greater inclusivity! TP in the Philippines joins AmCham Philippines and other partners in business and government in celebrating Women’s Month. Representing TP Women (left to right): Alphaland Site Admin Anna Marie Almario, TP Women Chair and Executive Vice President Toni Tompar, Baguio Site Director Glazel Velasco.

Advancing transformative partnerships for nearly three decades, TP in the Philippines, a global leader in digital business services, featured in a high-level panel of women leaders from government and business at a women’s month forum organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines).

Themed "Collaboration for Change: Entrepreneurs and Government for a More Inclusive Future," the forum aims to strengthen the ties between women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers by creating an avenue where they can share their advocacies for inclusive policies, discuss key challenges and propose innovative solutions.

TP Women Chair and Executive Vice President Toni Tompar (right) and women leaders from business and government engage in thought-provoking conversations to advance greater inclusivity in the public and private sectors.

TP Women Chair and Executive Vice President of TP in the Philippines Toni Tompar emphasized how TP's strategic partnerships with the government and business sectors have significantly contributed to TP's recent milestone in workplace inclusivity of having more than 57% of leadership positions held by women.

During her expert sharing, Tompar highlighted the critical role of collaboration with the private and public sectors in developing comprehensive support systems and employment opportunities for women saying, “TP is not only driven by technology; we’re also powered by people. We make sure that we have a platform for every person. The partnerships we have with the government and private sector enhance these platforms. And when women are empowered to be economically independent and strong, it benefits the nation.”

Tompar also underscored how TP continuously integrates inclusive principles and practices in recruitment, training, and leadership, implemented with the support of TP Women, an employee resource group of women empowering women through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities across TP’s 27 sites in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

TP actively participates in national and regional workplace gender equality initiatives and upholds the United Nations Global Compact, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Women's Empowerment Principles. It also continues to collaborate with government agencies, community-based organizations, and other advocate organizations like the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE).

As next-gen technologies powered by AI continue to shape the world, TP remains resolute in ensuring women's equal and empowered participation within and outside the workplace. The company complements its digital transformation strategy with a comprehensive Emotional Intelligence (EI) program, which enables employees to leverage human ingenuity enhanced by AI.

TP's commitment to women empowerment and workplace inclusivity was honored by the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards in 2024. For its comprehensive programs and initiatives, TP received the 1st Runner-Up Award under the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category.

Through initiatives like TP Women and its collaboration with the government, industry partners, and other advocate organizations, TP continues to champion the shared goal of creating workplaces where inclusivity is the norm.

TP in the Philippines leverages its commitment for transformative partnership to advance greater inclusivity in the workplace. TP served as one of the thought leaders in the panel discussion “Public-Private Synergy for Women Entrepreneurs in the Philippines”. (From left to right): Atty. Kaye Celera (AmCham), Atty. Claudine Orocio-Isorena (MWSS), Atty. Cyris Ann Ng-Santiago (PPP), Aleli Arcilla (Mondelez), KD Dizon (Globe), Toni Tompar (TP), Atty. Chel Ramirez-Dela Cruz (AmCham), and Rachel de Guzman (AmCham).

To mark this momentous milestone with its ever-growing community, OPPO is hosting the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration Promo from March 22 to April 30, 2025 where exciting prizes are up for grabs for registered My OPPO App users.

Maximize the My OPPO App for a chance to win

Ready to take part in the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration and get a chance to grab cool prizes? All you have to do is follow these steps to unlock the fun:

1.Open the My OPPO App and log in to your account.

2.Click on the 7M Celebration campaign banner on the homepage to access the 7M Capsule Carnival.

3.Click the "Click & Win" button to play the raffle.

All My OPPO App members will get three free plays per day while additional plays can be earned by using 30 OPPOints per extra play.

Celebrate and enjoy rewards

You are in for a world of surprises as you join the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration with a wide variety of prizes, ranging from e-gift vouchers to the newest OPPO devices!

My OPPO App members can win eGift vouchers from partner brands throughout the promo period:

●Zalora

●Jollibee

●KFC

●Chatime

●VIU

If you’re feeling lucky, you can also win big with one of these latest OPPO devices for the duration of the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration:

●OPPO Find X8

●OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G

●OPPO Reno13 F 5G

●OPPO A5 Pro 5G

●OPPO Enco Air 3

●OPPO Watch Free

The My OPPO App is a loyalty mobile app designed for OPPO users where they can enjoy membership benefits, earn experience points and OPPOints and exclusive services.

Set your alarms and be ready to party and win with the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration[ DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-218226 Series of 2025]!

Visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for more information. You can also join the OPPO Circle group on Facebook to stay updated on the latest news.

The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities. 

National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.

The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. 

National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for civil service organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.

Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.” 

At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts.

Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines. 

The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies - Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.

More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.

Two Happy Walkers take small, but meaningful steps with support and fanfare from the SM community.

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025.  

Participants come together to show love and support for individuals with Down Syndrome.

With the involvement of thousands of volunteers, this event is now more than just a walk—it’s a movement for change.

A Nationwide Call for Participation

With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs. 

The Happy Walk community continues to grow in number and contribute to a broader movement of inclusivity and empowerment.

SM Prime Chairman Hans Sy, together with SM Cares and DSAPI members, is celebrating the success of last year’s Happy Walk event.

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

SM Retail's Job Fair at SM North EDSA bridges thousands of job seekers with leading employers.

SM Supermalls is making job hunting easier, faster, and more rewarding! February’s job fairs set the stage for 2025, with the SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connecting more than a thousand job seekers with top employers. Now, the momentum continues with a nationwide series of job fairs this March, offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their careers.

The March schedule includes:
●March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga
●March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor
●March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet
●March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires
●March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu

Success stories: Real people, real impact

SM Job Fairs continue to change lives by providing a fresh start, stable incomes, and career growth. Here’s what some of our hired-on-the-spot applicants had to say: 

John Paul Arido begins his career journey as a Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket.

“This is the best—I can finally stand on my own and support my family! Thank you, SM Job Fair, for this life-changing opportunity. I hope more job seekers take advantage of this chance to build a better future.” - John Paul Arido, a newly hired Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket 

SM Hypermarket welcomes Maria Patricia De Leon, a new Customer Assistance team member hired instantly.

"Getting hired on the spot was both exciting and overwhelming since this is my first job fair. Thank you, SM, for creating opportunities like this—your job fairs truly make a difference for job seekers like me!" - Maria Patricia De Leon, hired on the spot for Customer Assistance at SM Hypermarket 

Joselito Oniza joins the Watsons team as a proud pharmacist assistant.

"I’m grateful to be hired on the spot after two months of job hunting. This opportunity means so much to me and my family. The SM Job Fair was well-organized, and the staff were very approachable, making the entire process smooth and comfortable.” - Joselito Oniza, hired pharmacist assistant at Watsons  

Teresa Enriquez, Toy Kingdom’s newest cashier, is excited to start her journey in customer service.

"I’ve been following SM Supermalls’ job fair schedule, hoping for a chance to work for an SM-affiliated company. Being hired on the spot made the wait completely worth it! What sets SM Job Fairs apart is the quality of employers—established, reputable companies that offer real career opportunities. I’m truly grateful for this experience!" - Teresa Enriquez, Cashier at Toy Kingdom 

Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services

Finding a job is easier when everything you need is in one place! SM Job Fairs feature government agency booths to assist applicants with essential requirements, such as Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund—ensuring a smooth hiring process.

Driving growth, building the nation

More than just hiring events, SM Job Fairs contribute to economic recovery and uplift communities. With SM Supermalls' commitment to employment, more Filipinos are securing brighter futures. Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out!  

SM Retail and SM North EDSA unite to empower job seekers at a bustling job fair.

The iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe lights up in purple to celebrate gender equality, together with SM Cares, United Nations Philippines, and the Philippine Commission for Women.

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

SM Cares, in partnership with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), kicked off Women’s Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, lighting up the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades nationwide. As a globally recognized symbol of justice, dignity, and women’s rights, the color purple marked the start of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, reinforcing SM’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.  

SM Megamall’s Time Sculpture turns purple in support of women empowerment.

Shoppers at SM North Edsa walk through the display at the LED Tunnel, a striking tribute to gender equality and women’s resilience.

Strengthening Preparedness and Safety

A key highlight of the campaign was Women on Fire, which recognized female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders for their role in safety, fire prevention and disaster preparedness. On March 4, 2025, SM Cares and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted the 4th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill across SM malls nationwide, with SM Mall of Asia as the main venue. Hundreds of registered participants took part in the Fire Square Roadshow, engaging in fire safety demonstrations and interactive training sessions to strengthen preparedness.

"Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts," said Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women. 

A female mall-goer tries the fire fighter’s protective uniform at the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Students from the Philippine College of Criminology participate in the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Women in Resilience: Empowering Women as Leaders in Disaster Preparedness and Community Building

On March 5, 2025, SM Cares and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) led the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia. The event, centered on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, aimed to empower women across various sectors, particularly those from marginalized communities. Its activities included gender equality discussions on women’s rights and leadership, a trade fair showcasing products from women-led MSMEs and free services such as medical check-ups, legal consultations and livelihood support.

Meanwhile, the Women LEAD Forum, co-hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares, emphasized the crucial role of women at the barangay and grassroots levels in disaster resilience. The discussion underscored how women-led initiatives strengthen community preparedness and serve as models for national climate and disaster resilience programs. 

The celebration also highlights the launch of the 50th Anniversary coffee table book, entitled as “From HerStory and Beyond: Five Decades of the Philippine Commission on Women”.

On Day 2 with PCW, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Bianca Sy emphasizes the significance of empowering women in our communities.

 

On Day 3 with DILG, the panel discussion moderated by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Specialist for the Urban Connect Project Crystal Eunice Dela Cruz, highlights the significance of women’s leadership.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano (center) receives the DILG Certificate of Appreciation for Advancing Women’s Leadership for Community Resilience.

SM Cares Champions Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Safe Spaces Act Orientation

To reinforce its commitment to creating safe environments, SM Cares held the 3rd Nationwide Safe Spaces Act Orientation on March 4 and 6, engaging more than 12,000 participants across 86 SM malls nationwide. This initiative educated students, employees, tenants, and security personnel on the importance of maintaining harassment-free spaces in malls and workplaces.

SM Supermalls holds the 3rd Nationwide Orientation on the Safe Spaces Act with in the photo: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer in Charge Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President (VP) of the Corporate Compliance Group (CCG) Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, PCW former Executive Director Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, SM Supermalls VP for CCG Liza Silerio, together with SM Supermalls security and janitorial personnel. 

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano (center) receives the DILG Certificate of Appreciation for Advancing Women’s Leadership for Community Resilience.

For more updates on SM Cares' initiatives, visit the official website or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.