Get ready for a game-changing collaboration as Viyline Media Group, led by vlogger power couple Viy Cortez and Cong TV, joins forces with SM Supermalls to empower local entrepreneurs through the Viyline MSME Caravan.
(L-R): SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin and Viyline Media Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and content creator Viy Cortez-Velasquez launch the Viyline MSME Caravan across SM malls, merging social media content creation with entrepreneurship.
Launching on January 22-29, 2025, at SM City Bataan, this year-round initiative will showcase products and services from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while amplifying their visibility by leveraging the massive influence of top Filipino vloggers.
(L-R): Viyline Media Group Marketing and Advertising Manager Karol Louie Manalac, Viyline Media Group General Manager Rolando Cortez, Viyline Media Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and content creator Viy Cortez-Velasquez, and SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for MSMEs Royston Cabunag at the Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony in November 2024.
With a commitment to supporting local businesses, SM Supermalls provides prime venues for the caravan nationwide. Following the success of the Team Payaman Fair at SMX Convention Center Manila last December, this initiative combines Viyline’s influencer network and SM’s iconic spaces to create a dynamic marketplace for MSMEs.
“Our goal isn’t just to give MSMEs a space—it’s to actively support them with influencer-driven promotions that connect them with their target audiences,” shared Viy Cortez.
The Viyline MSME Caravan at SM City Bataan is just the beginning, with future stops planned at various SM malls nationwide, ensuring that MSMEs across the country will have the chance to participate. This event is a business opportunity and reflects the growing partnership between influencers, businesses, and large-scale mall operators like SM Supermalls.
The caravan’s first stops include:
SM City Bataan: January 22-29 #ViyLuckyinBataan
SM City Baguio: February 19-25 #ViyInLoveInBaguio
SM City Dasmariñas: March 26-April 1 #ViynibiniSaDasma
Each event promises a variety of exciting activities, including influencer meet-and-greets, fun games with your favorite Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and unique local finds from participating MSMEs. Don’t miss out!
Stay tuned for the next wave of schedule of the Viyline MSME Caravan happening at an SM Supermall near you. For updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. Together, let’s champion Filipino entrepreneurs! #SMForMSMEs
About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls, owned by SM Prime Holdings, is the leading mall developer and operator in the Philippines. As a staunch advocate for MSMEs, SM Supermalls is dedicated to helping Filipino entrepreneurs succeed. Join our thriving marketplace across 80+ malls nationwide. Visit www.smsupermalls.com/sm-for-msmes/ to download your MSME application or email us at customercare@smsupermalls.com with your most innovative product and preferred location. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with SM Supermalls today!
The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena welcomed over 230,000 families during the successful run of Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero from December 21 to January 5. It was a feast of colorful outfits, collectible merchandise, pure fun, and unforgettable memories created to last a lifetime.
The enchanting characters of Encanto bring magic to life during Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tangled protagonists captivate the crowd with their charm.
A magical performance of Beauty and the Beast characters during Disney on Ice at SM Mall of Asia Arena, bringing the beloved tale to life on the ice.
Celebrities spotted at Disney On Ice
A dozen well-known personalities, celebrities, and influencers showed their support for this beloved Filipino holiday tradition, including notable celebrity kids who joined the much-anticipated family event.
In the photo: Anne Curtis (second from left), Erwan Heussaff, daughter Dahlia, and Solenn Heussaff
BINI members Maloi and Jhoanna
Toni Gonzaga (right) with husband Paul Soriano and children Seve (2nd from right) and Polly
Jennylyn Mercado (right) with her husband, Dennis Trillo, and their daughter, Dylan.
Luis Manzano, Jessy Mendiola, and daughter Rosie (left)
Iya Villania (left), Drew Arellano (right), and their kids
Carlos Yulo (right) and Chloe San Jose
Pauleen Luna-Sotto (center) with her daughters, Mochi and Tali.
Belle Mariano (second from right) and her family.
Disney On Ice returns with Magic in the Stars
The SM MOA Arena is excited to announce the arrival of Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars! This show will be packed with your favorite classic and modern Disney tales, so don’t miss it!
Witness the return of Jasmine and Aladdin’s unforgettable aerial stunts. Join Moana and Maui on a fun adventure. Sing and dance along with the Madrigal family from Encanto. And for the first time in Manila, experience all-new scenes from Frozen 2, Cars, and The Princess and the Frog on ice!
All this and more are skating your way this December 2025! Stay tuned for more updates as the search for the magic in the stars begins at your world-class venue. Watch the sneak peek of the upcoming show!
The SM MOA Arena is a world-class venue for sports, entertainment, and cultural events. For more information, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow @moaarena on social media. Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased online at www.smtickets.com or at any authorized SM Tickets outlet nationwide.
Do you still remember the lullaby your mother or caregiver sang as they cradled you to sleep? Those cherished melodies hold the essence of childhood memories within their gentle strains, embodying the timeless bond between a nurturer and their child.
Himig Himbing: Mga Heleng Atin, an institutional project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), invites Filipino people to reminisce and reconnect with the beloved heles that resonate with many, evoking nostalgia and fostering a deeper connection to their roots.
With its strong commitment to conserving and revitalizing Philippine cultures and traditions, CCP adopts a multifaceted approach to reintroducing indigenous lullabies to contemporary audiences and nurturing a deep appreciation for Philippine songs and hele.
First launched in 2022, Himig Himbing has emerged as a transformative force in the local music landscape, emphasizing both indigenous and contemporary Filipino music. The project aims to strengthen cultural identity, connect artists with audiences, and create a vibrant community centered on the nation’s rich musical heritage.
Moving beyond preservation, Himig Himbing encourages cultural innovation by blending traditional music with contemporary styles, producing music videos that resonate with modern audiences while maintaining the cultural context of the lullabies.
To foster a deeper understanding of Filipino folk music and hele, and to create a sense of national identity, pride, and connection to Filipino heritage – especially among younger generations – the CCP has toured the project to various parts of the country, starting with Pangasinan and Antique.
“Maaari nating ibalik ang mga hele na ito na maging bahagi ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay nang sa gayon ay lalo pa nating makilala ang ating mga sarili bilang Pilipino,” said CCP artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan during the launch at the University of Antique located in the suburban Sibalom.
For its Visayas leg, the CCP, through its Arts Education Department, partnered with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Office of Congressman Antonio B. Legarda, Jr., and the University of Antique (UA) to launch “Himig Himbing: Ang Mga Ambahanun Natun.”
“Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang yaman ng ating nakaraan at ng ating kultura bilang mga Pilipino,” said Senator Loren Legarda in a video message, emphasizing the responsibility of every Filipino to preserve and promote Philippine indigenous cultures.
The Antique launch featured a series of performances, including a joint rendition of the Bicolano lullaby Katurog Na Nonoy by award-winning guitarist Ivar Nicholas Fojas and dancer Sophia Ailsa Maunahan. Performing artist Arsela Labajo delivered a heartfelt rendition of Dandansoy, a lullaby rooted in Antique.
Homegrown talents from the University Dance Ensemble, Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) Hublag Icons, and UA Chorale also performed, with soloists Kris Kyler Mission Esposo and Elizabeth Joy Santiago Guerra singing Hele.
UA Chief Administrative Officer Reiner Paul Teologo expressed gratitude for being part of the project, noting that this is the first time national institutions such as CCP and NCCA have collaborated with the state university to implement their mandate of preserving and promoting Philippine arts and culture.
The team behind Himig Himbing, including Marasigan, Arts Education Department head Eva Mari Salvador, project lead Lino Matalang Jr., ethnomusicologist Sol Trinidad, with Rep. AA Legarda provided copies of the Himig Himbing book to the UA Library, received by its librarian Armila Serato and chief administrative officer Reiner Paul P. Teologo.
The highlight of the launch was the special screening of selected Himig Himbing music videos featuring the Bicolano lullaby Katurog Na Nonoy, the traditional Kalinga lullaby Wiyawi, the Visayan lullaby Ili, Ili, Tulog Anay, Bata Alimahi, and Dandansoy, among others.
Filmmaker Arden Rod Condez, a native of Antique, remarked: “It is always special to bring my films to my hometown. Seeing my kasimanwas react to the films I’ve made is always rewarding. My music video for Himig Himbing’s Bata Alimahi is no exception. The song, despite its somewhat painful lyrics, is danceable. Seeing the audience bob their heads to it made me smile. I hope it sparks their interest in discovering more lullabies from other regions and unearthing additional songs from our place, aside from Ili-ili Tulog Anay and Dandansoy.”
Feedback from attendees indicated a strong appreciation for the project, with one audience member noting, “It is amazing to hear how traditional melodies can be reimagined in new ways. With music videos complementing the lullabies, they help us connect with the songs easily and appreciate our heritage more.”
The project does not solely revolve around performances; it also serves as a platform for mentorship and arts education for art-track educators, student teachers, and community members. Over 150 workshop participants engaged in back-to-back workshops before the big launch.
During the Rumorolyong Himig: Film Workshop, Cinemalaya director Jonathan Jurilla shared his insights and creative processes with approximately 50 film enthusiasts, emphasizing that the visual voice should be based on truth and reality, with deep respect for cultures and traditions.
The Himig Himbing at Ako: Creative Expression Workshop, co-conducted by book illustrator Beth Parrocha, ethnomusicologist Trinidad, and medical practitioner-children’s book author Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, immersed participants in self-expression and creativity through arts and music.
The CCP elevated the arts education component to new heights with Himig Himbing extending its engagement beyond individual artists to include students in various aspects of the production.
“Students were actively involved in the production team, gaining valuable hands-on experience in technical theater and production assistance. Additionally, we integrated them into front-of-house duties, providing mentorship in ushering (including onstage escorting assignments) and audience management, further enriching their educational experience,” said CCP associate director Ariel S. Yonzon.
Through this launch, the CCP created a vibrant space for cultural exchanges and arts education. “This grassroots involvement not only helps preserve traditional music but also strengthens community ties. We engage universities, particularly mentors and teachers, because of its multiplier effect in educating our youth about our cultures. Through this outreach approach, we hope to contribute to a thriving cultural ecosystem that supports artistic expression and community engagement,” said Salvador.
With the positive reception of the project and a strong call for continuity in arts education initiatives, the CCP hopes to bring Himig Himbing to other regions in the country, illustrating how arts education can play a transformative role in personal and communal self-understanding.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is well-positioned to continue its vital mission of promoting arts education, recognizing its profound role in cultural preservation and community empowerment. By building on the success of initiatives such as Himig Himbing, the CCP can help shape a vibrant and culturally rich future for the Philippines.
To herald the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebrations, the Cultural Center of the Philippines lights up its Gusaling Tanghalang Pambansa (CCP Main Building) with the colors of the national flag.
An undertaking of the CCP Production and Exhibition Department, led by its Associate Artistic Director, Ariel Yonzon, the light design utilizes conventional ellipsoidal lighting fixtures with gobos patterned after islands and geographical features of the Philippines.
Conceptualized by Production Design and Technical Services Division Chief Ricardo “Eric” G. Cruz, the facade light design was executed by a technical team composed of gobo makers Shantie De Roca, Patricia Fuentes, Judemar Guillermo, and Camille Balistoy, with set-up by Lucio Tapiru, Earl Barrera, Russell Caseñas, Christopher Lota, and Samie Estrellon.
Marking the 126th anniversary of the nation’s independence, the CCP Philippine Independence Day facade lighting will run every night, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., until June 16, 2024.
Celebrate this historical milestone with Instagramable photos of the CCP Front Lawn, with the Main Building as your backdrop. Show some love for the country with pride in our national colors. #CCPIndependenceDayLighting #Kalayaan2024
For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.
A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or running a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes.
But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.
Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno, who said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way that work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike.
An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.
Pasay City, in its forward-looking 360-hectare smart city development, aims to create an innovative tropical 15-minute city for over 300,000 residents.
Situated at the edge of a densely-packed and overpopulated metropolis perpetually in a traffic gridlock, this city will provide respite to its residents and visitors with sustainable, inclusive, safe, and healthy living where all their needs can be accessed within reach.
Among its intended features, the project is envisioned to have low carbon and safe mobility networks with multimodal public transport services and enhanced infrastructure that prioritizes active mobility like walking and biking. There will be parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bike lanes, easily accessible public transport hubs, and unimpeded pedestrian walkways.
An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay
This assures lower transportation costs, less carbon emissions, and, most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring queues at the EDSA bus carousel or sitting hours on end in the middle of EDSA traffic.
The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and finally it has received the green light from the government to proceed. In fact, no less than Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda highlighted how the Pasay-led project is expected to earn billions in real estate assets for the government.
Revenues from the project will generate a massive multiplier effect on our gross domestic product (GDP) and an estimated 300,000 new jobs from 2027 to 2040. By 2035, it is projected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) total work force.
The Pasay 360 Project will be a city that nurtures lives and livelihoods, is expected to revitalize the economy, and hone the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we push towards the 22nd century.
Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending.
Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan. Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly.
While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.
1. Location is key
The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.
2. Concert Experience
Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.
Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate.
3. World-class concert amenities and facilities
Accessing the venue’s amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.
Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website
Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances.
Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.
4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams
One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises, called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.
(Pexel pic)
Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, Filipinos are the 4th top concert spenders in Asia-Pacific according to digital payments company Visa, proof of how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in the development of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can further drive economic benefits to the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.
Some moments fade with time, and certain experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping our paths and identities. For Atty. Marmie Deniega and Amanda Hora, the SM scholarship application wasn’t just a gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today.
The first to obtain a degree in the family
A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree.
Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application.
“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said.
In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had been selected for their scholarship program.
The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the first in our family to get a college degree.”
“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that nobody can take away,” she added.
Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.
The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years. Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions, intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the classroom.
She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”
These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.
“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events. I would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.
Scholar makes an impact on the community
Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from IBP-Cebu Chapter.
Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.
Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.
Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall.”
The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie’s academic success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.
The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.
Now successful in her field, Atty. Marmie travels and enjoys various leisure activities. Beyond this, she is thankful to have the capability to support her family.
Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community’s development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.
As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.
Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.
In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law.”
Amanda and Marmie’s stories are not just individual triumphs but testaments to the impact of education. Each year, countless dreamers like them are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and chart their paths to success through the SM College Scholarship Program.
As the application for the SM College Scholarship Program opens from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, countless more lives stand to be touched.
When the country bore the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) ensured to the public that it could still fulfill its mandate to promote and preserve the best of Filipino arts and culture. On March 13, 2020, the CCP complied with the decision to shut down all its public venues and postponed all productions and events indefinitely due to the country’s precautions. However, despite these restrictions, CCP found their way to thrive through online platforms. This was the start of the transition of online performances for the Center.
For years, the Center has embarked on digitizing its archives. It proved to be quite a pioneering and progressive project because it became a lifeline for the center’s artistic endeavors. As directed by the Philippine government, CCP functioned on a skeleton workforce, with restricted access for employees and cultural workers. With the theaters closed, the CCP couldn’t produce any shows; hence, limited livelihood for the artists.
The CCP Board of Trustees calibrated the response to the pandemic affecting the creative industry and implemented the Innovation Grants Program which provided financial support to seven art and culture organizations so they could create and produce new works in various art disciplines and distribute these new content using online technology, blended, and hybrid technologies.
The new programming brought to “online stages” different shows such as virtual pocket concerts of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, dubbed Music for Healing: PPO in Quarantine, Virgin Labfest’s online edition using Zoom and Facebook Live, and Cinemalaya screening short films in competition in Vimeo.
“These interventions and responses proved that arts could not be curtailed. Even a pandemic can’t stop people from engaging in arts. In fact, art is what sustained them throughout the most challenging time in this era,” said CCP president ad interim Michelle Nikki Junia.
No matter what the obstacles, CCP remains committed to its mandate, and these efforts earned recognition from the inaugural The Living Laurels Awards, organized by the Malaya Business Insights.
The CCP recently received The Pandemic Resilience Award for “its outstanding contributions to the lifestyle industry and reaffirm its steadfast dedication to excellence in lifestyle endeavors.” The award recognizes the organizations or individuals who adapted and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite the challenges we might face shortly, whether it is pandemic, natural disasters, or man-made situations, including budget cuts, the CCP will continue to champion a thriving local creative industry that respects tradition, spurs innovation, increases social awareness, and enriches the Philippine national brand,” said Junia.
The CCP also received The Arts Visionary and Local Artisan Showcase Award for one of its most-anticipated festivals, the Virgin Labfest. The award was given to organizations that promote emerging local artists and craftsmen who have created outstanding and notable pieces.
Twenty years since it was launched, the VLF serves as a laboratory and experimental stage for untried, unstaged, and untested one-act plays written by up-and-coming playwrights from different regions.
“From putting the spotlight on Filipino playwrights, VLF also becomes a safe space for directors, actors, stage managers, and technical crew who come together to bring ‘virgin’ one-act plays to audiences. From a one-week run, it grew to a three-week festival featuring 12 new plays and 3 revisited plays. Together with the Writers’ Bloc and CCP resident theater company Tanghalang Pilipino, we are proud of how far the VLF has come. Many of the playwrights who have been featured in VLF have become some of our country’s better-known playwrights, and award winners,” shared CCP artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan.
The Living Laurels Awards also recognized other organizations in different categories such as the Digital Transformation Excellence Award, Sustainable Lifestyle Champion Award, Mental Health and Wellness Advocate, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award, Innovative Health and Fitness Solutions Award, Hybrid Work-Life Integration Awards, Creative Culinary Excellence Award, Jake Macasaet Legacy Award, Joy Delos Reyes Community Impact Award, Pocholo Romualdez Media Excellence Award, and Che Francisco PR Excellence Award.
CCP also received recognition from the Metrobank Foundation Inc. for being a Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE). This award is presented every five years to recognize partners that have collaborated impactfully with MBFI to uplift the lives of the most vulnerable and underserved sectors in Philippine society.
“We dedicate these awards to the people who worked hard and diligently during the most turbulent time in recent years, and for the Filipino people who have supported the CCP through the years,” concluded Junia during one of the award ceremonies.
For updates on CCP’s events and productions, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram and Tiktok. You can also watch CCP digital content on the CCP YouTube Channel.
The Health & Wellness Confex 2024 recently concluded at the SMX Center in Pasay City, on a high note, with government and private sector representatives pledging to work together to promote the Philippines as a prime health and wellness tourist destination.
The event, a three-day gathering of health and tourism industry stakeholders that began on Friday, Jan. 26, was kicked off by such luminaries as Department of Health (DOH) secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.
In his keynote address, Herbosa said supporting wellness tourism is now a priority for the DOH. This was confirmed by Dr. Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana, DOH undersecretary for medical tourism, who pointed out in her presentation that ensuring the safety and health of tourists is a major department objective.
Meanwhile, Abalos emphasized the importance of being healthy and leading a healthy lifestyle. He talked about his mother’s passing due to the coronavirus back in 2022. While it was a tragedy, he said it also marked the beginning of his health and wellness journey. “While at the hospital, I had nothing to do. Everyone was wearing masks and PPEs (personal protective equipment). I was the only one in shorts and I had to sign a waiver because I insisted on staying with my mother at the ICU,” he narrated. “I couldn’t do much so I did push-ups. After only three push-ups, my hands were shaking. But I forced myself to continue, and you know what? Today, I’m doing 139 push-ups every day.”
“I’ve also been running every week and I spend one hour in the gym every day,” he added. “Health and wellness are all about attitude and it should be a priority for everyone regardless of age,” he said.
Calixto-Rubiano echoed the importance of having the right mentality towards health and wellness. She also talked about the various health and wellness programs of the Pasay City government, including the empowering mothers and infants or EMI project. “We are aligned with the First 1,000 Days program, a public health initiative that aims to provide comprehensive health and nutrition support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life,” she said.
In addition, the city implements feeding programs, conducts free medical tests, and extends support for COVID-19 patients.
The first day’s list of speakers also included Wanda Teo, former DOT secretary, and Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) general manager and CEO. Every speaker focused on their unique perspectives, but all of them emphasized the need to integrate health and wellness into the tourism industry.
The messages particularly cited the huge boost the recent collaborative efforts between the DOT and DOH would give to the campaign to promote the Philippines as a prime health and wellness tourist destination.
Another highlight of the first day of the Health and Wellness Confex 2024 conference was a roundtable discussion about the Filipino brand of wellness. The discussion was moderated by Catherine Turvill, Wellness Nurture Village founder and president. The panel was made up of Jennifer Sanvictores, The Farm at San Benito global head of sales and marketing communications, Vikki C. Aquino, Okada Manila director of The Retreat Spa, Kenneth Trullench, Las Caidas Wellness Resort Wellness Resort manager, and Atho De La Cruz, Ilaya Retreat Spa at Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort Spa and Wellness director.
The second day of the Health & Wellness Confex 2024 was a thrilling journey through the latest in travel, technology, and natural wellness. Attendees were treated to an array of workshops and demonstrations that not only showcased the future of wellness travel but also delved into the cutting-edge technology shaping the health industry.
A highlight was the series of workshops dedicated to natural and organic anti-aging practices. Experts in dermatology and holistic health unveiled the latest research and techniques in natural skincare, emphasizing sustainable and chemical-free approaches to maintaining youthfulness and vitality.The final day of the event took a vibrant turn with the holding of the Masigabo Wellness Festival, a special celebration that was especially dedicated to Filipino migrant workers, more commonly known as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The presence of Jerome A. Alcantara, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assistant secretary, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting OFWs. In his message, Alcanta lauded the resilience and hard work of the Filipino diaspora and emphasized the importance of initiatives like Masigabo in fostering a sense of unity and pride among Filipinos worldwide. Tourism representatives, meanwhile, sought to enlist OFWs to become health and wellness ambassadors.
The Masigabo Festival not only brought the event to a memorable close, but also reinforced the theme of holistic health by celebrating the connection between cultural well-being and physical wellness. Attendees left with not just knowledge of and insights into health and wellness, but also a deeper appreciation for the cultural ties that bind the Filipino community together.
Co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation; the event is likewise supported by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Tourism Promotions Board, and Duty Free Philippines.
The Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024is also made possible by the following:
Major Sponsors: Philippine Retirement Authority, Enjoy Health, Lifecore Bio Integrative Inc., Dean & Deluca Philippines, The Zen Institute, Conrad Manila, The Farm at San Benito, Nurture Wellness Village, Organique, CWC Interiors, Pots for Plants, and Center for Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM), Lanson Place, Networld Hotel, Lime Hotels & Resorts;
Minor Sponsors: Food Club, Sonia’s Garden, Annapoorna, Happy Garden Café, Holistic Integrative Care Center Philippines (HICC), Aba Pardes, King Fu Express, Piggy Papa, The Belle Salon, Speir Modern Residences;
Event Partners: IQ Capture Printing Corporation, Ark of Dreams, Market Social, SMX Convention Center, DigitalCircles Marketing Services, and Phildiz Studios;
Media Partners: GMA Network, ABS-CBN Corporation, GMA 7 GTV, Aliw Channel 23, Asian Journal, Balikbayan Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Daily Tribune, Digital Out Of Home Media (DOOH), Manila Standard, Rising Tigers, DZRH, Entrepinas TV, and Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc.
Telco Partner: Globe
Organizers and Event Managers: Mblessed Travel & Marketing, Inc. and Concept One Management Services.
From the creative concept of Mblessed Travel and Marketing, Inc., the Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 was spearheaded by a team of seasoned event organizers, wellness advocates, travel and tours agencies, and marketing & communication professionals, and with the country’s wellness guru, Cory Quirino, as its Executive Director.
As the Health & Wellness Confex 2024 concluded, participants were already looking forward to next year’s event, anticipating more innovations, learning, and community celebrations that lie at the heart of this unique gathering.
In the recent tour of The Nightingales (soprano duo), under the Mabuhay Philippines program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Cultural Exchange Department, several high-spirited Pinoys in Europe took the lead in supporting and organizing the performances and workshops mounted for the Filipino migrants and overseas workers.
The Mabuhay Philippines tour was held from October 20 to November 5, 2023, and covered four countries in Europe, namely the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Italy. For each community the Mabuhay Philippines program visited, a group of Filipinos took on the challenging tasks of arranging and coordinating the venues, technical facilities, lodging, meals, and transportation for the eight-member touring party (Alfred Samonte, Bianca Camille Lopez, Keiko Cayanga, Ian Aguila, Cecile Mambuay, Lolito Pontillas, Marichelle Bernardo and including the author), and audience mobilization among others.
To host a visiting Philippine performing or cultural troupe entails a lot of tedious work, communications, and networking. These tasks, in turn, require a huge amount of patience, energy, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Thankfully, the hosts in all the sites have proven that they were up to the challenge, and possess all these traits. Despite their busy schedules with their professional work and personal lives, they took time and effort to prepare everything we needed for the tour and that was why the performances and workshops were successfully done.
In Gouda South Holland, the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC), led by board member Amor Van Os, has been actively involved in various activities that keep the Filipinos interacting, engaging, and socializing while extending different services to the community, especially through the celebration of Holy Mass during Sundays and other important occasions.
The Pinoys in Gouda ensure to continue the Philippine traditions they grew up with; the most valuable of which is celebrating life together as a happy and content family. Lovella, who hails from Mindanao and is married to Lenard van der Weiden, welcomed the CCP contingent (Lolito Pontillas of Agusan del Sur and the author) to their home, even spending time with the group and held meetings with other Pinoys. Lea Saga-Van Rhijin from Bulacan, a licensed medical technician who works in a hospital, and her husband Alex, a captain of a luxury liner, with their two boys, let puni artist Marichelle Bernardo of Bulacan and theater-dance facilitator Cecile Mambuay of Cagayan de Oro/Marawi stay with the family while in Europe.
The bubbliest woman in the group was Elpie Gutierez from Tacloban City who also works in a hospital and accepts sewing services at home during her off-duty days. Ate Elpie, who is married to Han Clercq, hosted Alfred Samonte, artistic director of The Nightingales, and prepared a sumptuous meal for the whole team on their last day in Gouda.
Mary Jane Osigan Streefland, another FCC officer, hosted the soprano duo Bianca Camille Lopez-Aguila, Keiko Cressida Cayanga, and production manager Ian Aguila. During the few days, the MP Team stayed with these families, they saw the best of Filipino hospitality, something that the group was always thankful for.
On October 23, the group took a seven-hour trip from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Bonn in Germany via the Flix Bus. Amid the chilly weather, the team felt the warm welcome from their host Pinay vlogger and digital content creator Stephanie Mae Dorp, who with another kind of Pinoy migrant waited for the arrival of the team at the bus terminal and helped the team settled in at their lodgings.
The following day, the group headed to Cologne for the concert at the Missione Cattolica Italiana, Ursula Church, through the arrangements made by the Filipino Catholic Community of Cologne. The Nightingales performed classic and contemporary songs to the community of Filipino migrants and their families. The most applauded number was the medley of Filipino folk songs which brought back memories of hometowns from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao among the audiences. The program ended with heartwarming Christmas songs that made everyone sentimental but cheerful.
On October 25, the team stayed with couple Stephanie and Papi with their children Nathan, Tipoy, and Arya at Robert-Havemam Strasse. After a delightful spread of European delights and Filipino favorites, the group held two workshops in the living room with a small group of Pinoys. The children eagerly participated in puni leaf art workshop led by Bernardo, and the Mindanao dance workshop conducted by Pontillas.
To cap the day’s event, The Nightingales performed a short program, set up in the small hallway. It was streamed live by Steph on her Team Blended FB page and reached 23,000 views, 1,000 likes, 300 comments, and 57 shares (as of October 28). As of writing this article, the Youtube viewership of the said concert, which was uploaded to the Team Blended channel, has already reached 62,000 views, 219 comments, and 3500 likes.
The CCP aims to reach the Filipinos around the world. Through the live stream on Steph’s channel, the Mabuhay Philippines activity was accessed by her 301,000 subscribers on YouTube and 197,000 followers/friends on Facebook. The team’s visit to Bonn was made even more memorable with the thoughtfulness of Ernesto Labra Jr. from Cebu City, and Mandy and Dhong Mabandos from Mati, Davao Oriental.
From Germany, the MP team traveled for 18 hours via Flix Bus and moved to Spain. After arriving in Barcelona, the team headed to the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion Y San Lorenzo Ruiz Church for their third engagement.
After some hesitation because he has only been the parish priest for over a year, Fr. Lino Castro, who hails from Alfonso, Cavite, hosted and presented the Mabuhay Philippines program in Barcelona. The team was well-received and taken care of by a huge Filipino community who gave their genuine Filipino hospitality, from preparing their daily meals to lodging needs and sightseeing tours to the majestic Sagrada Familia and Our Lady of Montserrat, among other tourist destinations.
The October 29 concert and workshops on puni leaf art, Mindanao dance, and music were very well-attended by the kababayans who were seemingly gifted with varied artistic talents. Ate Mina Perez was superbly kind as she accompanied and assisted the group in all our engagements in Barcelona.
Italy was the group’s last stop. While there were no performances or workshops, the team linked up with fellow Filipinos in Florence, who could be potential partners and collaborators for the next edition of the Mabuhay Philippines program.
The team observed that Filipinos and Italians have many good things in common; kindness is one. In Firenze, they were given a complimentary stay in a beautiful European villa owned by Filippo Detaglia, a friend of Corazon Sugui from Gapan, Nueva Ecija who has been working in Italy for over two decades.
Ferdinand Bong Beltran from Lemery, Batangas, who has been working in Italy for over seven years, assisted the team with their transportation needs in Italy. Weeks later after the team went back to Manila, sad news of Filippo’s passing reached them. During their stay in Firenze, the author got a chance to speak to him over the phone to personally thank him for his generosity, and in that brief moment, the author felt his warm and gentle persona.
Hats off to all the Pinoy hosts and organizers in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Italy who have shown their admirable Filipino traits – resilient, hardworking, adaptable, bighearted, creative, patient, generous, and amusing. The team expressed their gratitude to each of them – Bedankt, Danke, Gracias, Grazie, Maraming Salamat!
Indeed, in every corner of the world, most kababayans are not just high-spirited and making valuable contributions to the global community, but are also avid supporters of Philippine arts and culture. This is a reason to be joyful and anticipate more cultural experiences and exchanges under the Mabuhay Philippines program of the CCP Cultural Exchange.
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