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| Max's Restaurant SM North EDSA (Image Source: Manila Standard/Max's Restaurant) |
For four decades, Max’s Restaurant — a beloved Filipino brand with a rich 80-year heritage — has partnered with SM Malls to serve families and communities across the country. What began as a single opportunity in the mid-1980s has evolved into a nationwide alliance rooted in shared values, trust, and an unwavering commitment to elevate the Filipino dining and shopping experience. The story began in 1985 when the late SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr., fondly known as “Tatang” and a Max’s customer, offered the last remaining space of the soon-to-open SM North EDSA to Plaridel Fuentebella, the son-in-law of Max’s co-founder Ruby Trota. At that time, Max’s was known for its freestanding stores, but the chance to enter a mall setting was a bold new step.
Max's Group Inc. Chairperson and Plaridel's daughter Sharon T. Fuentebella recalls, “It was the first time we entered that format. It brought us closer to our customers at a time when malls were just starting to change the Philippine retail landscape.” The move proved transformative as SM North EDSA became a success story for both brands, paving the way for Max’s to open in SM’s subsequent developments. “When they grow, we grow. It’s always been a natural partnership — SM brings communities together, and Max’s provides a place for families to gather over Filipino comfort food,” says Fuentebella. Thanks to this enduring partnership, Max’s has been able to reach more corners of the Philippines — going wherever SM grows. From bustling city centers to emerging community hubs, the restaurant has found a home in 40 SM malls nationwide, allowing it to serve families in places it might never have reached on its own. Over the years, the collaboration has gone far beyond simply sharing spaces. The two brands have embraced mindful innovation to stay relevant. Max’s has refreshed its store designs with open modern concepts, introduced coffee partnerships like Yardstick in SM Southmall, and explored unique dining formats such as al fresco setups and interchangeable dining rooms that allowed Max’s to optimize its dining space.
As they look toward the future, both brands remain committed to enhancing customer experiences together. “We’ve always had open communication and trust with SM. That’s why, even after 40 years, the partnership still thrives — and will continue to for many years to come,” says Fuentebella. From one shared space in Quezon City to a footprint that spans the archipelago, the Max’s–SM story is a testament to how enduring partnerships can shape industries, enrich communities, and create memories that last a lifetime.
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TBA Studios Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of ‘Heneral Luna’ With Star-Studded Bayaniverse Photo Shoot
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/TBA Studios) |
In a momentous celebration of Filipino cinema, TBA Studios brought together the iconic cast members of the Bayaniverse cinematic trilogy for a historic class photo to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking biopic “Heneral Luna”. Shot by acclaimed photographer Artu Nepomuceno at the Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City, the Bayaniverse class photo imagines the lead stars from 2015’s “Heneral Luna”, 2018’s “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”, and the upcoming historical biopic “Quezon” as moviegoers enjoying a film on the big screen, a fitting tribute to a film series that has helped shape cultural and cinematic conversation in the country for the last ten years.
The photo shoot also commemorates the theatrical release of “Heneral Luna” ten years ago. The historical war epic opened in theaters on September 9, 2015. It has since become the highest-grossing Philippine historical film of all time and jump-started the Bayaniverse cinematic trilogy. “More than just a historic photo shoot with the stars of TBA Studios’ historical film series, the Bayaniverse class photo is part of a larger call to action to remind the public of the beauty of watching movies in theaters and the immense hard work and creative labor that goes into making quality films,” said TBA Studios President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Daphne O. Chiu-Soon.
Chiu-Soon added, “We assembled the stars of our historical films ‘Heneral Luna’, ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’, and ‘Quezon’ to celebrate the shared experience of cinema and the electricity of a live audience. This photo shoot fittingly encapsulates TBA Studios’ love for and commitment to Philippine cinema as we celebrate ‘Heneral Luna’ and the 10 years since it came out in theaters. It also signals our excitement as we await the release of ‘Quezon’ in Philippine cinemas on October 15.”
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A Run For All Generations: Chowking Celebrates 40th Anniversary Through Chow Fun Run
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Chowking PH) |
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Chowking is inviting Filipinos to join the Chow Fun Run on October 11, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. True to Chowking’s longstanding role as a food favorite for over four decades, the Chow Fun Run is all about opening up possibilities for families, friends, and communities to bond, stay active, and share experiences together. With race categories for every pace and age group — 1K Kiddie Run, 3K, 5K, and 10K — plus a Virtual Run option, there’s a way for everyone to join the fun.
“Our 40th anniversary is about celebrating wow experiences that have delighted our community through the years. This run symbolizes our commitment to opening up possibilities for all kinds of moments whether through our food or shared activities, and creating spaces where people can make new memories. From families, barkadas, and kids, the Chow Fun Run is for everyone to enjoy at their own pace,” said Chowking President Ken Lingan. The Chow Fun Run will feature a vibrant race village called Chow Fun Land where participants can enjoy Chowking’s bestsellers like Chao Fan, Siopao, Chinese-Style Fried Chicken, and Milksha drinks, alongside special activities, installations celebrating the brand’s milestones, and interactive booths. On top of the race, participants can also look forward to special awards, exclusive merch, and more.
For those joining the Virtual Run, participants will receive their race kits via delivery and can log their runs through the official event platform on race day, making it a nationwide celebration of Chowking’s milestone year. Registration is open until October 10, 2025 or until slots are filled. Rates start at Php900, inclusive of an event shirt, race bib, drawstring bag, and finisher’s medal.
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Shell Pilipinas Corporation Powers Yanson Group Of Bus Companies’ Commitment To Safe And Accessible Travel Across Visayas And Mindanao
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Shell Pilipinas Corporation) |
Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) signed their partnership contract last August 2025 at Seda Hotel in Bacolod City. The collaboration aims to strengthen their commitment to enhancing travel accessibility and reliability across provincial routes in Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin). Recognized as one of the largest and most trusted bus transportation networks in the region, the Yanson Group operates extensive routes that connect communities and support regional mobility. Through this, Shell aims to strengthen the group’s operational efficiency while supporting the transportation needs of thousands of Filipino travelers daily.
Under the agreement, Shell will serve as the exclusive lubricant solutions provider for YGBC, primarily with Shell Rimula R4Plus, a premium heavy-duty diesel engine oil known to deliver improved vehicle performance, oil life, and fuel economy efficiency. Moreover, the wider Shell Rimula portfolio is engineered for optimal performance and efficiency across industries, from transport to agriculture, offering extended oil drain intervals (up to 150,000 km), up to 56% better wear protection, and improved fuel economy, which translates directly to reduced Total Cost of Ownership. The partnership is also complemented by a full suite of technical services, allowing Shell to support YGBC with an end-to-end business solution and reinforcing YGBC’s position as a trusted name in provincial public transport. By working with Shell, YGBC taps into Shell’s legacy of creating long-term value for Filipino travelers and the transport sector.
“As one of the country’s most trusted lubricant solutions partners, we at Shell are committed to empowering transport operators like the Yanson Group of Bus Companies to move more people, more safely, and more efficiently. Through our premium engine oils and technical expertise, we aim to strengthen transport accessibility in various communities, while helping business owners optimize their operations and deliver better journeys to the Filipinos,” said Shell Lubricants Philippines General Manager Jacqueline Famorca.
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NGCP Brings Environmental Protection Initiative To Bohol; Inks MOA With DENR, LGUs For Forest Plantation Project
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| L-R: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Visayas Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor Jr., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) President Anthony Almeda, DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Bilar Water and Sanitation Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BWSMPC) Chairman Rizaleo Gahit (Image Source: The Manila Times/National Grid Corporation Of The Philippines) |
As part of its environmental protection initiatives, power transmission service provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and several local government units (LGUs) in Bohol for the establishment and maintenance of a 243-hectare forest plantation over a three-year period.
NGCP President and CEO Anthony L. Almeda represented the company during the MOA signing, underscoring its commitment to supporting reforestation efforts that address both environmental protection and community development. “This MOA seeks to support reforestation and environmental sustainability efforts in the province. NGCP is always ready to extend its support to LGUs in their initiatives to protect the environment,” said Almeda.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed on behalf of the DENR, together with representatives from the Bilar Water and Sanitation Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BWSMPC) and the municipalities of Batuan, Bilar, Catigbian, Sagbayan, and Sierra Bullones. In addition to environmental protection, NGCP established the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project, ensuring stable power supply that fuels current and future socio-economic growth in the area.
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foodpanda Logistics Honors Modern Heroes With It's Showtime Guesting And Double Tipping Surprise
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/foodpanda Philippines/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Joining the nation's recent observance of this year's celebration of National Heroes Day, foodpanda Logistics put the spotlight on its very own modern-day heroes of the road — the Ka-panda riders — by celebrating them on national television through a special segment on the popular noontime variety show It’s Showtime.
A hundred Ka-panda riders took part in the show, bringing their trademark smiles and energy as they were honored for their hard work and dedication in keeping deliveries moving across the country. As a highlight of the celebration, foodpanda Logistics also doubled the in-app tips that riders received from customers last August 25. The initiative aimed to show extra appreciation to the riders who work hard to deliver meals and essentials to Filipino households.
“Our riders are important partners in what we do. They are our true heroes who brave the roads every day to connect us with the things we need. We always try to look for ways to go beyond words and show them how much we value their dedication and resilience,” said foodpanda Logistics Philippines' Ron Sanders. The celebration concluded with a message of gratitude for all foodpanda riders who continue to embody the spirit of service and dedication.
