Tag: history

SM amplifies grassroots ice sports development through the third hosting of the SEA Trophy

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The largest turnout and PH wins in three years signal a growing pool of future skating champions.

With the Southeast Asian (SEA) Open Short Track Speed Skating trophy’s Philippine return, SM hopes the country’s success at the international derby captures a crucial window of opportunity to further enrich local skating talent. 

Designed as an entry-level international competition, the SEA Trophy allows young and emerging skaters to compete, learn, and gain exposure on a friendly yet structured stage.

“We are thrilled with the results of the latest season of this international competition,” said Joseph Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “Since its inaugural run, we’ve seen steady growth in participation, and this year marks our highest turnout yet, along with the country’s strongest medal haul to date. Coupled with the surge of interest in ice sports following the Philippines’ recent SEA Games successes, we see this as a pivotal moment to spotlight the potential of our young, emerging athletes and further strengthen support for the development of their talent.”

On its third local mounting, the SEA Trophy has registered its largest volume of participants at 90 athletes aged six to 24 years old representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and Indonesia. The Philippines emerged with a total medal win of 12 gold, 11 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

“Most of the athletes who join are starting out on their skating journeys. With this international competition, they gain more than a chance of winning medals. They attain access to a professional arena, while competing against regional athletes, exposing them to different styles of athleticism,” said Nikki Cheng, President of the Philippine Skating Union.

Giving young, emerging athletes a home and an arena to shine

A long-time advocate of ice sports in the Philippines, SM has been home to the SEA Trophy since 2023. Mounted by SM through its Sports and Leisure Center (SLC) and SM Skating, the competition was hosted at the Olympic-sized rink of SM Skating Mall of Asia—one of the country’s most established ice sports venues.

Backed by the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Commission and the Philippine Sports Commission, the SEA Trophy also serves as a development platform that ensures global participation in ice sports while encouraging skills progression, coaching exchange, and cross-border collaboration.

“Beyond providing conducive spaces for athletes to train and compete, SM recognizes that true skill development comes from exposure to international competition,” said Silva. “Events like this put everything they’ve trained for to the test, while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship, values that are honed only on the ice, alongside fellow athletes.”

Through this holistic approach, SM has given both emerging and competitive athletes a home that hones them into champions. SEA Games podium finisher Hans Buemio started his skating journey at SM’s skating rinks. He has gone on to qualify as the country’s first homegrown speed skater for the ISU Junior World Cup series and is preparing for the next competition in Utah. Meanwhile, emerging international skating athletes have also been honed through the SEA Trophy. Chinese skater Bingzhen Dai is also a product of the tournament and has been training in SM’s Skating Rinks for the last two years. Silva hopes that with holistic support, more emerging athletes like them can come to fulfill their potential.

“With SM, our skating industry will always have a home that provides inclusive and accessible pathways for our talents to grow and succeed. Through the 2026 SEA Trophy, we look forward to discovering our future champions and showcasing their excellence to the world.”

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 delivers a bigger, maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia

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The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 is back, and it is bigger than last year. Set at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia, the country’s biggest fireworks competition levels up into a fully maxed-out experience built for how Gen Z shows up, hangs out, and shares moments.

This year’s edition is a maxed-out experience, bringing an all-out global showdown of world-class pyrotechnics, music, and color. Each competing country lights up the night sky with high-impact visuals, perfectly synced to sound, designed to stop scrolls. Bigger bursts. Cleaner timing. Stronger crowd reactions. Every show competes for the title of Best Pyromusical Display, and every night delivers main-character energy.

The 2026 experience goes beyond fireworks. It is about the full vibe. Friends meet early, eat out, walk the strip, shoot content, and stay late. The fireworks are the peak moment, but the night is the story. It is social, loud, and built for repeat weekends. This is not a one-and-done event. It is a weekly reset.

SM Mall of Asia continues to be the venue of choice for Gen Z, families, and friend groups. The open waterfront, easy access, and mix of food, entertainment, and hangout spots make it the go-to place for shared experiences. Families turn it into a tradition. Friends turn it into plans. Gen Z turns it into content.

Adding to the fully maxed-out experience is SM Mall of Asia’s wide dining lineup, giving guests plenty of options before and after the show. These include RICO’S LECHON, HAIDILAO, RACKS, ITALLIANIS, WATAMI, CBTL, MODERN SHANG, OLIVE GARDEN, BULGOGI BROTHERS, LECHONERIA, YAKINIKU LIKE, PEPPER LUNCH, DOHTONBORI, JATUJAK, PAIK’S COFFEE, KIWAMI, YAKINIKU KING, MAPLE TREE, DU HSIAO YUE, ROSSOPOMODORO, GERRY’S GRILL, TGI FRIDAYS, MESA, DONG WON, FELY J’S, BBQ CHICKEN, HOSHINO, CELADON, TAJIMAYA, KRAZY GARLIC, LONGHORN, and DESSERT 39.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 features top pyrotechnic teams from across the globe:

  • February 21. Opening Exhibition with the Philippines and Hermanos Caballer of Spain.
  • February 28. Fireworks Spectaculars of Canada versus Steffes Olig Feuerwerke of Germany.
  • March 7. LUX Factory of France against Martarello SRL of Italy.
  • March 14. Pirotecnia Minhota of Portugal facing the Pyrotex Fireworx of the United Kingdom.
  • March 21. Polaris Fireworks of China followed by the Closing Exhibition from the Philippines.

More than just a fireworks competition, this event shows why the Philippines is a destination for big, world-class lifestyle experiences. Bigger crowds. Bigger moments. Bigger energy. Your most loved mall, SM, brings it All for You with a fully maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia.

CCP, CFO strengthen ties to promote Philippine arts and culture to overseas Filipinos

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The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) have officially forged a partnership to promote Philippine culture and the arts among overseas Filipinos, especially the youth. The collaboration seeks to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage among our kababayans living abroad through joint initiatives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on September 25, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Present at the signing were CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, CCP President Kaye C. Tinga, CCP Board of Trustees Teodoro “Junie” Del Mundo, CCP Vice President for Administration Jose Victor M. Gaite, and CFO Project Management Division Chief Marita Del Rosario Apattad.

“Through this exciting collaboration with the CFO, led by Secretary Klink, we are celebrating the talents and dreams of our kababayans overseas. Just like the CFO, the CCP will ensure that their stories are seen, heard, and honored around the world,” CCP President Tinga said.

“We hope to partner with the CCP in the implementation of CFO’s endeavors. Likewise, we look forward to supporting your programs as we are certain we share the same goals of promoting Filipino heritage across the globe. Rest assured that as your partner, the CFO will lend whatever resources available in the delivery of CCP’s programs for overseas Filipinos,” Secretary Ang II said.

As part of the partnership, both agencies will work together to update and enhance digital and physical cultural resources, such as the Virtual Sentro Rizal and produce educational materials for distribution to Philippine schools abroad and diaspora organizations. They will also collaborate in promoting and reproducing informational content about Filipino arts, culture, and heritage across their respective platforms and networks, and jointly implement various programs and activities.

Key initiatives for this collaboration include some of the existing programs of the agencies such as CFO’s YouLeaD Program and Virtual Sentro Rizal, alongside CCP’s Masterclass, Arts Education Programs, Thirteen Artists Awards, Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, 21AM (21st Century Contemporary Art Museum), PPO Young People’s Concert, Pasinaya Open House Festival, and Cultural Exchange Programs. 

The two-year partnership between these institutions aims to foster a strong sense of identity, pride, and connection to Filipino culture, language, and heritage among overseas Filipino communities.

For more details on and other CCP events, check out the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and its official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

For more details on CFO programs, check out the CFO website at www.cfro.gov.ph

Top 3 Things You Can’t Miss at HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn EventsLeave a comment

Culinary Creations by Rising Negrense Chefs – Two Negrense talents wowed the crowd and stole the spotlight during the media launch of Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair last Aug 26, 2025—and their names are worth remembering. Their gastronomic menu was just a taste of what’s possible: innovative, world-class, and proudly Negrense!

Chef Cara Davis (Halong, Makati) – trained in Michelin-starred kitchens from New York to San Sebastián, she now fuses bold Asian flavors with her Mexican culinary background.

Think uni toast with foie gras and crab aligue pave — just some of the inventive dishes she crafted, alongside many other culinary creations.

Chef Luis Locsin (private dining star) – CIA-trained, with global stints from Jean Georges NYC to Bali, he now curates private dining. His charcuterie spread at the launch featured Negros blue cheese, Don Papa rum pâté. Proudly Negrense, globally trained.

This year, the Negros Trade Fair makes its historic debut at SM Aura—and it’s bringing with it the flavors, fashion, and flair of Negrense heritage. Here are the main reasons of must-experiences for foodies, fashionistas, and lifestyle lovers you don’t want to miss:

#1 Heritage Weaves, Modern Fashion & Accessories

Handwoven Hablon, hand-smocked dresses, and chic tropical fibers reimagined for today’s wardrobe. Paired with striking local jewelry and artisanal accessories, these pieces prove heritage and modernity can walk the runway together.

#2 Handcrafted Home Finds

From pandan to bamboo to buri—Negrense artisans transform natural fibers into elegant accents for your home. Discover design-forward décor and furnishings that bring timeless Negros craftsmanship into modern living spaces.

#3 Artisan Sweet & Savory & Pasalubong 

Stock up on flavors that define Negros: – From Mumshies’ delicacies to Virgie’s home-made mango tarts and pastries, plus savory favorites like the Ereneta-Manaloto’s bottled Chorizo de Bacolod and a lot more— Sweet or savory, these iconic bites are made for gifting—or for keeping all to yourself.

Experience More at HIMBON

Beyond shopping, HIMBON is a celebration of Negrense culture. Sip on Don Papa rum and locally crafted wines as live acoustic music fills the air, bringing the warmth of Negros hospitality right to the city. Let the fair inspire your next adventure with showcases of pristine beaches, heritage haciendas, and food tours—each one an invitation to experience Negros firsthand. And of course, every artisan booth and styled corner is a story waiting for your feed, so don’t forget to capture your #HimbonMoments along the way.

At its core, HIMBON means “to gather.” And this fair is exactly that—a gathering of food, fashion, and heritage that celebrates both tradition and modern creativity.

  • Save the Date: Sept 23–28 | SMX Convention Center, SM Aura
  • Taste. Shop. Celebrate. Experience Negros like never before.

CCP National Theatre Live examines the performative self through Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Shakespeare’s Hamlet

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)’s National Theatre Live returns to spark conversations on oneself and society through special screenings of The Importance of Being Earnest and Hamlet this August. 


Presenting a comedic stage of false identities, the filmed stage production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest premieres at Glorietta 4 Cinema 1 on August 26, 2025, at 6p.m. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s Hamlet will also revisit the disposition of a pretender on the same date and time, at Ayala Malls Vertis North and Ayala Malls Central Bloc Cebu.

The art of Bunburying

Max Webster, the director behind Donmar’s Macbeth and Life of Pi, directs the theater adaptation of the flamboyant reimagining of Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. 

A satire on Victorian social hypocrisy, the play follows the misadventures of two young men who roam the town under false identities. Jack (Hugh Skinner) and Algernon (Ncuti Gatwa) escape their social duties through the art of Bunburying—creating a second persona. The two take on the name “Ernest” in their pursuit of marriage. 
Under Webster’s direction, deception arrives in vibrancy. A society’s obsession with names and the legacies attached to these comes into light through satirical means. Whether the performative man succeeds in achieving his desires or succumbs to what is expected of him is for the screen to tell, but the art of performance already realizes the importance of one’s truth.

This recent staging was performed from November 21 to January 25, 2025, at the Lyttelton Theatre. The three-act play premiered in 1895 and was eventually published as a book in 1899. 

Perception vs. Reality

Portrayed by Hollywood A-lister Benedict Cumberbatch, Hamlet wrestles with what is and what appears to be in his quest for revenge. He feigns madness to discover those who reconstruct their truths to appear as something other than reality. As every individual performs in his eyes, the Prince of Denmark delivers multiple soliloquies, introspecting about lies as tools for sculpting truths. 

HAMLET by Shakespeare, Writer – William Shakespeare, Director – Lyndsey Turner, Set design -Es Devlin, Lighting – Jane Cox, The Barbican, 2015, Credit: Johan Persson/

Directors Lyndsey Turner and Robin Lough ensure that this production of Hamlet conveys the real Shakespearean tragedy, disseminating the cathartic ultimatum: that the fallacies man performs eventually become his truths. 

Anagnorisis and the London Theatre Experience in the Philippines

The CCP National Theatre Live continues to bring renowned productions of classic dramas from the London stages to enrich Filipinos’ love and appreciation of the performing arts. First launched in June 2009, UK’s National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the United Kingdom, around the world, and now in the Philippines. Digitally filmed in high-definition quality, NTL films their plays in front of live theater audiences, but optimized for the big screen and made accessible to theater fans across the globe.

Drama is an intimate collaborative form that inspires introspection until anagnorisis, the realization of one’s identity amidst various pressures. The Importance of Being Earnest and Hamlet are two of many fictions that dissolve into facts, underscoring the performative self as a crucial constituent of the real one. 

Regular ticket price is at Php300 in Makati and Cebu, and Php350 in Vertis North, with a special ticket price for students at Php150, upon presentation of a valid ID. Visit the ticket booth or avail now at http://www.sureseats.com. 
To get the latest updates on CCP’s National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.

WORKS OF LOCAL AUTHORS TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH UNDER THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S TRANSLATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines—THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) announces the 20 grantees selected for its Translation Subsidy Program (TSP)  this year “for local authors who wish to have their works translated into a foreign language.”

Out of 32 proposals submitted to the NBDB, 20 grantees were selected. Among them are mBayuka Tanu! Maguindanaon Bayuk Translation, Transcription, and Annotation Volume 2 by Mansoor Limba, Aswanglaut by Allan N. Derain, Mga Lumadnong Sugilanon nga Mahinuklogon by Karl M. Gaspar, Si Lola Basyang sa Entablado by Christine Bellen-Ang, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee,  Samtoy: Mga Kwentong Ilokano (Bagong Edisyon) by Danilo B. Antalan, Noli S. Dumlao, Aileen R. Rambaud, Arnold Pascual, Jose Sherma E. Benosa, N.M.E. Valdez, Ariel Sotelo Tabág, Juan Al. Asuncion, Roy V. Aragon, Daniel L. Nesperos, Joel B. Manuel, Prodie Gar. Padios, Mighty C. Rasing, and Selected Poetry of Gualberto Cea Manlangit by Gualberto Cea Manlangit, to name a few.

The 20 grantees’ works, which were written in Filipino, Ilokano, Maguindanaon, Bikolano, and Bisaya, cover multiple genres such as fiction, poetry, short stories and essays, comics, novel, among others, and will all be translated into English. The amount of the grant ranges from PHP 70,000 to PHP 200,000.

“We want to promote the literary works of Filipino authors through the translation of local books written in Tagalog and other Philippine languages not just into Tagalog or English, but likewise in other languages around the world so they would be known internationally. We believe translation is key to achieve that goal,” explains Ma. Carolina Tapia, NBDB’s Chief of the Creative and Professional Development Division.

Under the selection criteria established by the NBDB, grantees are chosen based on their relevance to the publishing sector and the reading public, significance in promoting knowledge on the diverse culture, events, and topics of the Philippines,  and a production plan or marketing plan that is feasible and effective for local distribution and promotion efforts.

The TSP offers financial support to encourage the translation, publication, and distribution of Philippine books in foreign markets in order to introduce more Filipino stories, voices, and perspectives to readers across the globe.

Being selected as a translation grantee is a pivotal opportunity for Filipino writers. It means they will be provided with formal support for translation, visibility at major international book fairs, and an open door into the global literary marketplace. For local authors, it’s not just funding: it’s launching their work into dialogue with the world.

The program also has a separate edition designed to entice foreign publishers to translate Philippine books into foreign languages, also through a subsidy. It is a vital element of the Philippines as Guest of Honour 2025 (PhlGoH2025) initiative, an interagency collaboration led by the NBDB, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. The event will be held in Frankfurt, Germany on October 15-19, 2025.

Through the years, the NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program has contributed to increasing the number of translated Philippine titles and opened different opportunities for Filipino authors. As the Philippines prepares to take center stage at “FBM,” the world’s largest book fair, the TSP underscores the country’s commitment to promoting Filipino literature, authorship, and publishing excellence on the global stage.

It also reflects the NBDB’s strong commitment to empowering Filipino authors, fostering cultural exchange, and boosting the global presence of Philippine literature. By supporting the translation of Filipino books into foreign languages, the program brings Filipino voices and stories to a wider international audience—paving the way for richer cross-cultural understanding and meaningful global engagement as the country positions itself to become the content capital of Southeast Asia.

“The NBDB believes that every translated book serves as a bridge between languages, cultures, and more importantly, people. The NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program is not just about funding the translation of a book. It is a commitment to help fuel a movement that places Filipino stories where they belong: in conversation with the world,” NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade pointed out.

For full details on the Translation Subsidy Program, send a message to grants@books.gov.ph.

Globe and CANVAS launch year-long exhibit celebrating art, children’s rights, and online safety at the National Museum

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment

The halls of the National Museum are coming to life with color, curiosity, and purpose, as Globe partners with the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to open a unique year-long exhibit titled “Tumba-Tumba: A Retrospective.”

Celebrating CANVAS’ 20th year of promoting children’s literacy and Philippine art and culture, the exhibit features interactive installations, striking artworks, and powerful storytelling—all curated with young minds in focus. Designed to spark imagination and dialogue, the exhibit invites children to explore their rights, the power of creativity, and how to navigate an increasingly digital world.

“This partnership is about creating a space where learning and play come together, and where kids can better understand how to protect themselves online,” said Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Chief Privacy Officer at Globe. “Through art, we can engage children in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.”

Among the exhibit’s centerpieces is the award-winning Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy, a book co-produced by Globe and CANVAS that helps children understand the value of personal information and how to stay safe in the digital world. Visitors can interact with materials inspired by the book, reinforcing lessons on online boundaries, digital footprints, and respectful internet behavior.

The exhibit is also a preview of CANVAS’ upcoming Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art, currently being built in Ibaan, Batangas. Just an hour and a half from Manila, the museum will be the first of its kind in the country—a space devoted to Filipino children, storytelling, and creativity.

“We’ve always believed that art can move, teach, and transform. ‘Tumba-Tumba’ is a celebration of that belief,” said Gigo Alampay, Executive Director of CANVAS. “Thanks to partners like Globe, we’re able to bring these stories to more children—and help them grow up informed, expressive, and empowered.”

Globe’s support for the exhibit is part of its broader commitment to safeguarding children’s rights online. Over the past three years, Globe has proactively blocked more than a million URLs linked to sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and recently extended protections to cover AI-generated and non-photographic content.

Through this exhibit, Globe continues to champion digital responsibility—reminding families that online safety starts with awareness, and that even the simplest tools, like a children’s book or a piece of art, can make a lasting difference.

The “Tumba-Tumba” exhibit opens to the public on June 13, 2025, and will run at the National Museum for an entire year.

MALCOLM X’S FIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONTINUES IN CCP THE MET: LIVE IN HD SPECIAL SCREENING

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When it premiered at the New York City Opera in 1986, X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X was hailed as groundbreaking work for its all-Black production team, its realistic retelling of recent history, and its depiction of a controversial figure in the civil rights movement and the fight for Black empowerment in the 1950s.

Born in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, African-American leader Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam who articulated concepts of race pride and Black nationalism in the early 1960s. His advocacy of achieving equality by all means necessary had put him on the opposing side with American activist-philosopher Martin Luther King who advocated a nonviolent approach to social reform and civil rights.

Malcolm’s Black nationalism ideology greatly influenced the Black Power movement, helping popularize the values of autonomy and independence among African Americans in the 1960s and ’70s. After his assassination in 1965, he became an ideological hero among the Black youth.

The evocative biopic of the civil rights icon gave rich materials for acclaimed improvisational jazz pianist, composer, and educator Anthony Davis to produce the revolutionary opera, together with his brother Christopher Davis who translated Malcolm X’s life into a theatrical story and his cousin Thulani Davis who created the libretto. Anthony Davis is best known for his operas, including Amistad, Wakonda’s Dream, and The Central Park Five, the last earning him the Pulitzer Prize in Music.

In Davis’ first-ever opera, the production team dramatized the life of the civil rights icon. Rather than beatifying and explaining Malcolm X’s ideals, the opera showed his personal transformation from victim of poverty to leader-agitator to martyr.

For the CCP The Met: LIVE in HD special screening of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X on June 4, Tony-nominated director Robert O’Hara reimagines Malcolm as an Everyman whose story transcends time and space.

With a runtime of 3 hours and 42 minutes, the opera presents 12 vignettes from the life of Malcolm X. The story flows from his youth to his death, following the timeline from his life of poverty in Depression-era Lansing to his adolescence years in Boston and his pivotal hajj (pilgrimage in Mecca). The story moves to his life in New York City, and finally to his assassination in 1965.

Baritone Will Liverman sings Malcolm X, alongside soprano Leah Hawkins as his mother Louise, mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis as his sister Ella, bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as his brother Reginald, and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson as Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad.

Kazem Abdullah conducts the newly revised score, which provides a layered, jazz-inflected setting to the libretto.

Learn who Malcolm X is and reflect on why his story is still relevant today from this enthralling opera on June 4, 5:30pm, exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, Makati City. Regular tickets are priced at Php350 but students and young professionals may avail of the discounted price of Php100 upon presentation of ID.

To purchase tickets, visit the ticket booth or book your tickets via www.sureseats.com. You may visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for more details on CCP The Met: LIVE in HD Season 9.