The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents Creative Continuum 1970-2024, featuring archival materials, exhibition catalogs, videos, artist-designed trophies, and artworks that present selections from the history and evolution of the Thirteen Artists Awards on Philippine contemporary art.
Creative Continuum 1970-2024 marks the first exhibition of the year for the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division. The exhibition opened on 1 February 2025 for the CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival and will run through 18 May 2025 at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (TIG). Viewing hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. Hours are extended until 10 pm on days with evening performances at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Public programs will be held throughout the exhibit duration to allow guests to learn more about the Thirteen Artists Awards.
The prestigious awards program honors young visual artists whose innovative practice has contributed to the development and expansion of Philippine contemporary art.
Now in its 54th year, the Thirteen Artists Awards began as a curatorial project of the CCP Museum, led by its first curator Roberto Chabet, aimed at showcasing the works of Filipino artists who sought to “restructure, restrengthen, and renew artmaking and art thinking that lend viability to Philippine art.”
Raymundo Albano, the subsequent director of the CCP Museum and Non-Theater Operations, transformed the CCP TAA into the awards program recognized by the Filipino arts community today. From 1970 to 1980, the TAA was held every two years. It continued in 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994. After a short hiatus, the TAA was revived in 2000 and transitioned into its current triennial format.
In celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and GMA Pictures partnered to host a successful sensory-friendly screening of the award-winning film “Firefly” on January 17, 2025. Over 2,000 participants across 10 SM malls, including children on the autism spectrum and their families, enjoyed a heartwarming and inclusive movie experience.
“Tuwing pumapasok kami sa mga SM malls, damang-dama namin acceptance, accomodation, and appreciation. It is the norm here,” said Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Chair Emerita Dang Uy Koe.
A child on the autism spectrum shares a smile with their loved one during the sensory-friendly screening of “Firefly” at SM Southmall.
SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines, and GMA Pictures join forces to bring a sensory-friendly screening of “Firefly” to children on the autism spectrum and their families at SM North EDSA Cinema.
“Firefly” stars Alessandra De Rossi (right) and Euwenn Mikaell (left) grace the sensory-friendly screening at SM North EDSA Cinema.
Creating a welcoming space
The “Lights Up, Sounds Down” event went beyond entertainment. By adjusting lights and volume, creating a relaxed atmosphere, and allowing for movement and vocalizations, the screening catered to the specific needs of attendees on the autism spectrum. This empowered them to enjoy the movie at their own pace and comfort level.
Autism Society Philippines (ASP) National Spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz shares a message in a video celebrating National Autism Consciousness Week.
A heartwarming moment captured at the sensory-friendly screening of ‘Firefly’ at SM City Olongapo Central, where families enjoyed a welcoming and inclusive movie experience.
“At SM Supermalls, we firmly believe that creating spaces where every individual feels valued, respected, and included is a responsibility we hold dearly. This is a way of life here,” said SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Engr. Bien Mateo.
The guests experience the magic of “Firefly” at the sensory-friendly screening in SM City Telabastagan, Pampanga.
An invited guest is captivated by the sensory-friendly screening at SM City Marikina.
A boy enjoys the special screening and shows respect and gratitude with a traditional ‘mano po’ at SM City Cebu.
Ongoing commitment
Positive feedback from families echoed the event’s success. Many expressed appreciation for the inclusive environment, highlighting the joy and comfort it provided. This powerful experience underscores the importance of catering to the autism community’s needs.
SM Cares: Championing inclusion
A commitment to inclusivity requires ongoing effort. SM demonstrates this by investing in employee training programs to better support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Additionally, SM Cinema prioritizes accessibility features within their theaters, creating a welcoming environment for all guests.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
For Kian Aze Cordero, a student from Timoteo Paez Integrated School, art has become a helpful tool in coping with academic stress and emotional challenges. His experience at Imagine Tondo, a cultural exchange collaboration between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Korea Arts and Culture Education Service (KACES) has solidified this belief. “Art just calms me down,” said Cordero.
Highlighting the intangible benefits of creative expression, Filipino artist-teachers and invited Korean experts in various fields of arts engaged in special curriculum training, integrating art into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) framework of the Department of Education (DepEd). This curriculum was implemented in Imagine Tondo, a two-week workshop held from September 23 to October 4, 2024.
To give the world of art the spotlight it rightfully deserves in the academe, Imagine Tondo kicked off with training for the participating educators, giving them ample time to formulate art-centered activities tailored to children
The project aimed to foster and strengthen community bonds among the young people in Tondo. Offering them a safe space to express themselves, Imagine Tondo also provided the opportunity to connect with others through creativity.
“Imagine Tondo describes the happiness that art and culture can bring. For the past two years, CCP and KACES have been partners in emphasizing the essence of art in life and culture, sharing the invaluable experience of artmaking with younger generations,” shared KACES President Eun-Sil Park.
Through Imagine Tondo, both Filipino and Korean mediators and participants engaged in cultural exchanges, with each sharing what they learned from each other and from the students they encountered.
CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis M. Marasigan expressed his appreciation for the partnership with KACES and conveyed his aspiration to continue the program, envisioning how it could influence the Philippine cultural landscape in the future.
“We can institutionalize the Imagine Tondo program so it can be replicated in different schools, regions, and areas of the country. This can be done on a national scale,” said Marasigan.
Beyond the basic definition of art and the donation of textbooks and other learning materials, Imagine Tondo illustrated how art contributes to and affects everyday life. At the core of the recent two-week workshop for artist-teachers and students was learning how to incorporate art and culture into everyday life.
Along with the special curriculum, reflections and learnings of the Filipino and Korean mediators were implemented with the 252 students from Lakan Dula High School, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar Elementary School, Raja Soliman Science and Technology High School, and AHA! Learning Center.
Althea David, another participant from Timoteo Paez Integrated School, shared her fondness for creating green landscapes with oil pastels. Through Imagine Tondo, she realized the reason behind her love for the arts: “I find joy in making art. It is how I relax when I’m stressed.”
While some participants viewed art as a hobby, the CCP and KACES’ Imagine Tondo helped them understand and appreciate art’s role in shaping their identities and improving their lives.
“We hope to instill learning in the arts for the children, promoting our culture in everyday life,” shared Marasigan. He acknowledged that the success of Imagine Tondo is a testament to the artistic potential of children if given the right resources and environment. The program proved that, with support, children can grow artistically and lead imaginative lives without barriers.
KACES President Park emphasized the importance of fostering an appreciation for arts and culture in the next generation. By allowing participants to experience art through individual and group activities, Imagine Tondo demonstrated that art is an integral part of life and culture.
“Above all, the future generation of children is what matters most. Their dreams must be protected,” added Park.
Through the activities facilitated by the mediators, the children became active participants in their own lives. They gained unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and a newfound appreciation for how art intersects with life and culture.
For more information about CCP Arts Education programs, follow the official CCP and CCP Arts Education Facebook pages. You may also visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and its official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on CCP and its programs.
As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines’ vulnerability to such conditions.
As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions.
The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The recent typhoon has made it evident that the country cannot afford to be a bystander in the global efforts to combat climate change. Instead, it must be a proactive player, advocating for and implementing strategies that contribute to the global net zero target.
One of the key areas where the Philippines can make a significant impact is by leveraging its abundant natural resources to transition to renewable energy sources. By increasing investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the nation can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering its carbon footprint.
This transition is crucial for achieving net zero and offers the added benefit of creating a more resilient energy infrastructure less susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme weather.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. recognizes the equal importance and urgency of both climate change adaptation and mitigation. As part of our strategy, we are investing 10% of our Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) in sustainability and disaster resilience design.
A significant initiative supporting this commitment is SM Prime’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. As the country’s leading integrated sustainable property developer, we have committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a recognized global standard for corporate decarbonization targets. This makes us one of the few corporations in the Philippines to do so. To ensure our near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, SM Prime collaborates with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) through their Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program.
This ambitious target is supported by concrete actions, such as the installation of onsite solar panels across various properties and strategic partnerships for renewable energy sourcing. These initiatives not only reduce the company’s carbon footprint but also set a precedent for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be integrated into core business operations.
Pledging to advance every person’s right to a better quality of life through heightened climate action, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity protection, and our strategic corporate social responsibility programs, this commitment places climate action at the forefront as one of SM Prime’s sustainability agenda.
SM Supermalls have enhanced natural lighting and improved insulation, reducing energy needs for lighting, heating, and cooling, leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly operations.
Using solar panels or other renewable energy sources lowers the carbon footprint, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable energy.
An artist’s legacy is an invaluable contribution to society and collective history – their art stands the test of time. For the late National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, his work lives on to be celebrated anew by generations and generations of audiences, more so now on his 100th birth anniversary.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) and in cooperation with ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula, Cinema One, and the FPJ Archives, honors NA Eddie Romero’s unparalleled artistry through the CCP Cine Icons: Eddie Romero @ 100, a series of screenings of his digitally-restored films.
Want to know why Romero was one of the most revered filmmakers in the industry, regarded by both local and foreign directors and why he was conferred the National Artist in 2003? These cinematic gems will tell you why.
AGUILA
This 1980 period drama film encompasses the history of the Philippines, told through the life story of Daniel Aguila. Touted as the “biggest event in local history” and “the biggest Filipino film ever made,” Aguila starred National Artist Fernando Poe Jr. in the titular role.
In the movie, the Aguila family gathers to celebrate their patriarch’s 88th birthday, but Daniel Aguila is nowhere to be seen. In fact, he has been missing for a decade. Suspecting that Daniel is in Mindanao, one of the sons goes on a journey to search for the missing father. His search leads him to uncover the life that his father led through 80 years of personal and historical development.
The Cine Icons: Eddie Romero @ 100 kicked off with the special screening of Aguila last April 3, at the GSIS Theater.
GANITO KAMI NOON, PAANO KAYO NGAYON
This 1976 period drama film narrates the adventures and misadventures of a naive peasant boy, named Kulas, who wanders through the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898 and the Philippine-American War of 1899-1901.
The second offering for the Cine Icons: Eddie Romero @100, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? was screened last May 22 at the UPFI Film Center. It will have a second premiere at the De La Salle University in Taft, Manila on July 20. This film is one of the inspirations for the opening salvo of the CCP Out-of-the-Box Series Season 2.
KAMAKALAWA
Premiered in 1981, the classic fantasy film explores the folklore of the prehistoric Philippines in an adventure of mortals in a world filled with gods and mythological creatures.
Make sure to catch the digitally restored Kamakalawa live on the silver screen this coming June 25 at the PUP Theater. This special event is free and open to the public. A talkback will follow after the film screening.
HARI SA HARI, LAHI SA LAHI
This 1987 Filipino-Chinese epic historical drama film is set in the 14th century, where a brewing friendship between the Chinese Emperor Yong Le and the King of Sulu, Paduka Pahala is forged upon the latter’s visit to China.
This film is a co-production between the CCP and China, and will serve as a culmination of the CCP Cine Icons: Eddie Romero @ 100 special. The digitally restored version will premiere live on the silver screen on July 21 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
BANTA NG KAHAPON
Set at the backdrop of the 1969 congressional elections, this 1977 action film unravels the story of men as pawns in a milieu of political power – men best described as beholden only to amorality and the highest bidding politicos who pay their services.
LOST BATTALION
A 1960 black-and-white film set in the Philippines during World War II, the film is about a girl who is rescued from bandits by a guerrilla fighter.
THE RAIDERS OF LEYTE GULF
The 1963 war film recounts the story of a U.S. intelligence officer during World War II who was captured and tortured by Japanese soldiers occupying the small island of Sundao.
THE WALLS OF HELL
This gritty, atmospheric 1964 war film dramatizes a chapter of World War II history in which 10,000 Japanese soldiers, fearing execution if they surrendered, disobeyed their own superiors’ orders and barricaded themselves in Intramuros along with a thousand or so unfortunate civilians.
BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA
In this 1973 crime drama film, a black prostitute and a white revolutionary must form an uneasy alliance when they are busted out of prison, and then pursued by guerrillas, bounty hunters and the Army.
SAVAGE SISTERS
Set in 1974, the exploitation film tells the story of three women of three races who join the fundraising part of an island revolution.
To get the latest updates on future film screenings from CCP Cine Icons, follow the official CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Cebu City’s local government has taken a step in bringing its public safety and security infrastructure to next-generation, world-class standards.
Mayor Mike Rama and Vice Mayor Alvin Garcia (Acting Mayor) have spearheaded a transformative partnership with NGA 911, LLC, an American company renowned for its pioneering 911 services across the United States.
The company stands at the forefront of innovation, harnessing cutting-edge Next Generation technology to revolutionize emergency response systems. With state-of-the-art capabilities, NGA911’s systems empower responders to swiftly receive calls, pinpoint caller locations, execute dispatch operations, and seamlessly integrate with Cebu City’s existing infrastructure, including CCTV networks. This integration promises a unified, digital platform, ensuring efficient, recorded responses to emergencies as they happen.
The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities by the NGA system will revolutionize how Cebu City residents can access emergency responders. Besides using traditional mobile and landline calls to report emergencies, citizens will soon be able to do the same via SMS and instant messaging applications, expanding the accessibility and speed of emergency response services.
Mr. Dante V. Arcilla Jr., Department Head of MICS (Management Information and Computer Services) who meticulously analyzed and evaluated the system greatly influenced Cebu City’s decision to partner with NGA 911. “Through this collaboration, the city aims to meet its current and future technological requirements, bolstering its capacity to respond rapidly and robustly to crises. By integrating NGA 911’s systems with our existing emergency infrastructure, we anticipate heightened resilience and redundancy in disaster scenarios, as well as enhanced situational awareness for our first responders,” the MICS head said.
Mayor Mike Rama has always emphasized the importance of public safety and has made it paramount in the city’s agenda. “Ensuring the safety of our residents is our top priority,” Mayor Rama said. Mr. Arcilla echoed the sentiment, saying, “This partnership will raise public safety standards and spur economic growth. With enhanced safety measures, tourism will flourish, consumer confidence will rise, and businesses will be encouraged to invest in our city.”
As Cebu City marches towards a safer, more technologically adept future, the partnership with NGA 911 stands as a testament to its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and fostering prosperity, city officials said.
While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down through generations.
One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.
SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic planting schedules.
Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.
The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.
Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other products.
Embracing new techniques
Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try and explore new practices.
From a modest monthly income of Php10,000, Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he said.
Juanito, alongside his wife, actively participates in the SM City Clark Weekend Market. They credit the market with contributing to their increased profitability.
The SM Group’s KSK program has changed the lives of roughly 30,000 Filipino farmers, including Jayson and Juanito. Through its initiatives, farmers who once lost hope have been able to embrace modern farming techniques, leading to adaptability in the face of the evolving agricultural landscape.
The SM Group, through SM Foundation, remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors to be led by its future smart city property development – with focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.
Cities worldwide, share a common pursuit of progress through new urban developments. These projects enhance convenience amid urban congestion and stimulate local economies and communities through various socio-economic activities like job creation.
Whether in the form of public transportation, cutting-edge business districts, or towering residential communities, a single new development requires a whole host of jobs from pre-construction, to construction, and completion. These range from real estate developers and planners to construction workers and suppliers who need extensive collaboration for successful project development. Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities
Photo credit to Following NYC. Featuring ‘Vessel’, a honeycomb-like structure and visitor attraction in the Hudson Yards Development in Manhattan, New York City.
The cycle of job creation doesn’t stop after completion. A new development also drives indirect employment opportunities generated from industries attracted or related to the development.
Such is the case for Hudson Yards, New York City’s 28-acre mixed-use development and the United States’ biggest megadevelopment in history. It had created thousands of construction jobs transforming Manhattan’s iconic skyline and becoming home to diverse shops, offices, cultural institutions, hotels, and residences. Ongoing operations and management of these facilities are expected to contribute to its large-scale economy, such as hosting over 55,752 workers daily and about $19 billion annually to the city’s GDP. Dubai and Songdo IBD: Creating economic opportunities afresh Photo credit to Kadir Avşar. A closer aerial view of the Palm Islands.
Meanwhile, cities like Dubai and Songdo International Business District (IBD) generate jobs by creating economic opportunities from the ground up. They used land reclamation as an urban development strategy to address land scarcity and high population density challenges.
Dubai’s ambitious projects, including the Palm Islands, the World Islands, and Burj Al Arab, have turned it into an ultramodern metropolis for commerce and tourism. In 2023, it drew over 30,000 new businesses, driving demand for talent in finance, legal, and digital technology sectors.
The Songdo IBD is an ongoing smart city built on reclaimed land in Incheon, South Korea. It’s designed to be an international business and residential hub with sustainable features. As of 2020, the 1,500-acre development hosts about 30,000 residents, 33,000 jobs, and 70% fewer emissions than any other development.
SM’s Integrated City Developments: Empowering local communities and residents
SM Prime contributed photo. An aerial view of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) featuring its iconic Globamaze and thriving network of retail, business, residential, and hotel developments.
The SM Group, a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, has an ecosystem of interests spanning retail, banking, property, and mall developments across the country, making it the largest employer with over 140,000 employees.
For every SM mall development by SM Prime Holdings, the integrated property developer of the Group, the local economy is invigorated because of the opportunities created by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that comprise about 68% of its mall tenants. For instance, SM City Bataan, SM Supermalls’ 83rd mall, employs about 96% of its mall administration staff who are residents called Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. It also proudly showcases local industries by partnering with homegrown businesses like family-owned brands and locally managed franchises.
Job security, stable income, and tax revenues contribute to the local workforce’s quality of life; and SM Prime ensures to manifest these waves of progress in its developments, especially in its plans for smart cities in the Philippines to be spearheaded by its ongoing 360-hectare development in Pasay City.
New urban developments are catalysts for growth, innovation, and avenues for increased prosperity, shaping local economies through job creation and improved lives. The success of these city centers requires a network of opportunities – from its pre-construction supply chain to empowering businesses for individuals to thrive and contribute to the communities.
*(feature image)Photo credit to Anamul Rezwan. Construction jobs are generated from new urban developments.
Inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.’s belief in the power of education and driven by their commitment to sustainability, leading integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has launched a scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Aptly called the “SM Sustainability Scholarship,” the initiative reflects SM Prime’s commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship.
Video courtesy of SM Prime
The program will fully support ten deserving students through their undergraduate studies at UPLB, providing them with the opportunity to pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry. These fields align with SM Prime’s focus on building resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.
The scholarship recipients, meticulously chosen for their academic excellence and dedication to sustainability, were formally recognized during a meet-and-greet gathering at UPLB, marking the start of their journey as SM Sustainability Scholars.
SM Sustainability Scholarship. In the photo are the SM sustainability scholars with the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ Office of Scholarships and Grants Director Assoc. Prof. Ariel L. Babierra, Ph.D., College of Forestry and Natural Resources’s Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr, Janette Malata-Silva, Scholarship Affairs Officer Ivy Salarde and SM Prime AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo with the rest of the SM team.
Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance, ensuring they can focus on their studies without financial worries.
During the gathering, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken collaboratively.
“CHE is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.
“I would also like to thank SM Prime for putting emphasis on this scholarship. SM Prime did not just provide the finances or scholarship. They invested the time to really meet our scholars and provided other support mechanisms to ensure that our scholars thrive in their academic lives. This is also a manifestation of SM’s commitment to sustainability by really developing our future sustainability leaders,” she added.
College of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Prof. Marilyn Combalicer also extended the college’s support to the scholars on behalf of the college’s dean, Dr. Marlo Mendoza: “We hope to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and initiatives that enhance our educational experience and initiatives for our students. Rest assured that we will continue providing support to our students in ensuring their growth and success in both academia and beyond.”
SM Prime’s AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo meets the SM sustainability scholars.
Meanwhile, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo, echoed that the fundamental values of the company are intricately interwoven with both education and sustainability.
“SM Group’s founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. believed that education is a great equalizer, and he envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community,” she said. “The improvement of the well-being of the youth and the partner communities is something that we at SM invest in.”
For decades, the SM group has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation building through social good programs that are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. By helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities, social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to achieve a better future for all.
MANILA – The best of Japanese cinema is coming back to the Philippines. The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) makes its long awaited return, rolling into theaters in Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao starting February 2024. Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, JFF was launched in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country. Every year it attracts over 25,000 audiences, treating them to a variety of cinematic delights from drama, anime, romance, mystery, and everything in between. “For this year’s selection, we decided on the theme, ‘Nostalgia,’” says festival director Yojiro Tanaka. “We chose films that will make our audience feel nostalgic and remember their own fond memories and feelings.
The festival will showcase a range of Japanese films from various genres that is sure to cater to different tastes. This year’s JFF lineup has something for everyone, and guarantees the satisfaction of cinephiles, drama devotees, and comedy connoisseurs alike.
This year’s opening film comes from the hit anime franchise, Slam Dunk, a 1990s favorite among Filipino fans of both anime and basketball. The First Slam Dunk (2022) is an animated sports film written and directed by Takehiko Inoue. On top of the amazing animation and heart-pounding basketball action, the film also resonates with heartfelt emotions.
The JFF lineup also includes the classic masterpiece, Tokyo Story (1953), by Japanese auteur, Yasujiro Ozu, as well as recently released movies such as And Yet, You Are So Sweet (2023) and Angry Son (2022). Audiences can also look forward to nostalgic titles with movie versions of Voltes V (1999 and 2023) and Detective Conan (1997 and 2006) making their way into the lineup.
Tanaka san also added, “We hope that the wide range of films will entertain long-time festival goers and those who are already fans of Japanese films. We also welcome newcomers to enjoy Japanese films and the Japanese Film Festival.”
Admission is free for all screenings. Guests can simply visit their preferred participating theaters and queue before each screening of their chosen movie. Seats will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. JFF kicks-off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema from February 1 to 11 and continues into the regions in SM Cinemas in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao. JFF screens in SM Seaside City Cebu from February 16 to 25, and in SM City Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao from February 23 to March 3. The festival will also have a special run at the UPFI Film Center in University of the Philippines Diliman from February 22 to March 2.
JFF is also supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JT International (Philippines) Inc., and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
For more information on the festival’s full film lineup, comprehensive movie synopses, and complete screening schedules, please visit http://www.JapaneseFilmFestPH.jfmo.org.ph or follow the Japan Foundation, Manila and JFF on social media.
Philippine Updates 