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| A giant six-meter inflatable Pikachu at the center of a supersized Pokémon event space in SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium (Image Source: When In Manila/SM Supermalls) |
Running enthusiasts will now get their chance at catching them all as the Pokémon Run 2025 fires off on February 9, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. This is the first time that The Pokémon Company to hold the fun run in the Philippines in partnership with RUNRIO. "We’re happy to be part of making this happen, which is a first in the country. We were all Pokémon fans when we’re young and it’s just a treat for us to bring these creatures to life and blend them in with our love for running," said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio De La Cruz. The impact was instant as the 10,000 slots for the run was sold out in just 15 minutes. Over 3,000 joined for the 10,000 km race, nearly 4,000 signed up for the 5 km edition, and over 2,000 will participate in the 3 km version. There will also be over 800 participants for the 1 km fun run, which welcomes kids and families.
De La Cruz noted, "Majority of our participants are actually newbies. We are very, very happy that this will be helping our running community to grow more." Runners will not only get the traditional race bib and Pokémon-themed race shirt, but will also get a Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game) fun pack and playmat. They will also get a Pikachu-themed finisher's medal and participate in various activities inside the race area. The race was only limited to 10,000 this year to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the runners. The first Pokémon Run in the Philippines is part of the Pokémon Fun Day presented by SM Supermalls which kicked off its nationwide tour at The Block Atrium in SM North EDSA last January 31, 2025 and will end on February 13, 2025. Fans will have a chance to explore a supersized Pokemon event space featuring a giant 6-meter Pikachu inflatable, together with attractions such as a free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions, licensed collectibles like Pokémon toys and apparel, Pokémon trading cards, and a Pokémon video game demo area.
“It’s really a great experience for everyone and we invite everyone to enjoy this Pokemon experience with us,” said SM Supermalls Group Head and Executive Vice President Joaquin San Agustin. The Pokémon Fun Day caravan will go on rounds in different SM malls in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Iloilo, and Davao until October 2025. For more information, visit https://www.runrio.com/ and https://www.smsupermalls.com.
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Celebrating Heritage And Innovation: TPB’s ‘Pasasalamat’ At The New Centro De Turismo Intramuros
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
Bridging the gap between the Philippines’ rich past and bold future, the city of Intramuros invites visitors to imagine the experiences of historical heroes while championing modern-day innovations. In particular, the recently unveiled Centro de Turismo at Calle Arzobispo has pushed the boundaries of Filipinos’ creative expression. Tracing its roots from the pre-colonial era to religious artifacts from the Spanish era, Centro de Turismo proves the Filipinos’ ability to transform these influences into a unique expression of their collective identity. The most recent celebration of cultural pride in this space was the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines’ annual ‘Pasasalamat’ event held last January 27, 2025.
This event was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to media professionals and content creators whose invaluable contributions have spotlighted the dynamic regions of the Philippines on a global scale. Their efforts are woven into the unique tapestry of Filipino history and culture. “Pasasalamat is our way of recognising the invaluable contributions of our partners in helping us share the wonders of the Philippines. It is through your dedication and support that we have been able to achieve these milestones and inspire travelers to experience our country,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. The ‘Pasasalamat’ event celebrated the success of the Philippines’ tourism campaigns, with the revitalized Centro de Turismo Intramuros adding further dimension to these achievements. The historic venue served as more than just a backdrop — it harmonized seamlessly with the evening’s performances, including Acapellago’s modern renditions of Filipino classics and the Sindaw Performing Arts Guild’s stunning showcases. In highlighting tourism’s role as a force for good and a catalyst for meaningful opportunities, COO Nograles emphasized the TPB’s transformative impact on communities and the environment.
All these achievements underscore an extraordinary milestone, with Php11.3B (11.3 billion Philippines pesos) in sales leads generated in 2024 — a remarkable 44.8% increase from the previous year. The impact of this event reaffirms the TPB’s dedication to fostering a tourism industry that paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. “Together, we are the storytellers of our nation. As we move forward into 2025, let today’s gathering remind us of the power of collaboration and shared purpose,” said Nograles, encouraging guests through her empowering speech. After the program, guests were invited to a guided tour, exploring the stories that define Philippine history while exploring how venues like Centro de Turismo are instrumental in preserving this legacy. The event closed optimistically, reaffirming TPB’s mission to champion sustainable tourism while creating opportunities for all Filipinos.
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Rise Against Hunger Philippines Celebrates A Decade Of Leading The Fight Against Hunger
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| Rise Against Hunger Philippines office staff and board members (Image Source: Manila Standard/Rise Against Hunger Philippines) |
Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP) recently celebrated a decade of transformative impact in the fight against hunger, bringing together over 100 partners, donors, and supporters at a special event in Makati City. The milestone event highlighted the strong dedication of RAHP to ending hunger and finding lasting solutions for communities in need across the country. Since its founding in 2015, RAHP has remained at the forefront of addressing hunger across the Philippines. Through the dedicated efforts of its partners and supporters, RAHP has delivered millions of meals to food-insecure communities, provided critical emergency relief to disaster-affected areas, and empowered communities to build sustainable food security solutions.
As part of the milestone celebration, RAHP announced the launch of the Pabaon Project, an online fundraising initiative to improve nutrition for students in remote primary schools in Ifugao. This initiative reflects RAHP’s continued commitment to addressing the root causes of hunger by enhancing access to nutritious meals, which are important for academic success and community development. “We are proud to launch the Pabaon Project as part of our broader mission to end hunger, particularly in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity. This initiative will help ensure that no child goes hungry, enabling them to thrive in school and their communities,” said RAHP Executive Director Jomar Fleras. As the organization enters its second decade, RAHP is focused on expanding its impact, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to lead the fight against hunger in the Philippines. The organization’s decade-long leadership, expertise, and commitment have solidified its role as a key force in the movement to end hunger.
To amplify its efforts, RAHP has invited actor and humanitarian Piolo Pascual to serve as its campaign ambassador. Through his platform, Pascual aims to inspire more Filipinos to take part in the movement towards a hunger-free Philippines. “Our work is far from over, and with the continued support of our partners and the Filipino people, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against hunger. Together, we can build a future where no child goes to bed hungry, and every community thrives,” added Fleras.
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Jamie Rivera Delivers Message Of Hope In 2025 PH Jubilee Song “Ningas Ng Pag-Asa”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
After 25 years, Jamie Rivera returns as the voice of the 2025 Philippine Jubilee hymn “Ningas Ng Pag-Asa” featuring the group 92AD. The OPM icon, together with 92 AD, also served as the voice behind the “Jubilee Song (The Great Jubilee)” composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo which served as the theme song of the 2000 Jubilee celebration. “I’m very grateful that I’m still given trust by the Catholic Church and yung faith nila is not fading, and I’m also blessed that 92AD is still there to help and wiling to join me,” said Rivera.
When asked what “Ningas Ng Pag-Asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope, saying, “This is a message of hope. Flame of hope. Tayo yun, we have to tell the people that there is hope in mankind. Yun ang responsibility natin as Christians, as Catholics, as followers of Christ to send this message because it is our mission.” 92AD also stressed the valuable message of the song, stating, “The song is really a message of hope for everyone. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyayari sa mundo atin, hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtiwala lang tayo sa Diyos. At yun ang mensahe na gusto nating iparating sa lahat.” “Ningas Ng Pag-Asa” was adapted into Filipino by Jamie based on the official 2025 Jubilee theme “Pilgrims Of Hope”. The Filipino version was released under ABS-CBN’s Inspire Music label.
Incidentally, both Jamie and 92AD are also collaborating anew for the entrance song for the Jubilee celebration in the country titled “Welcome! Mabuhay! O Pilgrims Of Hope” also composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo. The year of Jubilee is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years. The official music video of “Ningas Ng Pag-Asa” is now available on Star Music YouTube channel.
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Batangas Province LGU Formally Opens Multi-Purpose Building Donated By ABS-CBN Foundation
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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office/MacVen Ocampo) |
The Provincial Government of Batangas formally inaugurated and opened the two-storey Multi-Purpose Building made possible through the donation of ABS-CBN Foundation last January 27, 2025 at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex in Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City. Batangas Governor Hon. Hermilando I. Mandanas, who is also the Chairperson of the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), led the Turnover and Blessing Ceremony of the said building, which will be known as the Provincial Evacuation Center of Batangas Province. The activities were supervised by the PDRRMO under the leadership of Dr. Amor Calayan.
This project was highlighted in 2020, during the eruption of Taal Volcano, through Sagip Kapamilya, a program of the ABS-CBN Foundation that provides assistance to communities in the Philippines affected by calamities, which then provided humanitarian assistance to affected families. Representatives of Sagip Kapamilya met with Governor Mandanas to consult on what other assistance they can provide to alleviate the plight of evacuees who are stuck in overcrowded evacuation centers. During that meeting, the governor presented the idea of building an evacuation center at the Provincial Sports Complex. A resolution was then passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas (Batangas Provincial Board Council) which authorized the entry into an agreement for the construction of a multi-purpose building between the said foundation and the Provincial Government of Batangas.
Since the building is designed as a multi-purpose building, the provincial government, through the PDRRMO, can use the space as an evacuation center or relief hub during disasters, or as a training area when it is not in use. In the governor's message, he gratefully thanked the ABS-CBN Foundation for providing a building that the province can use for disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness. Joining the gathering were Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Racelis, ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, ABS-CBN Foundation Operations Advisor Higino Dungo, Office of Civil Defense IV-A Division Chief Reyan Derrick Marquez, and several department heads and officials of the provincial government.
(With words by Almira Elaine Baler, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
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DLSL CITHM Brings Hospitality And Culinary Education To Thailand
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL)'s College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) recently organized an international educational tour (IET) to Bangkok, Thailand. The tour, which was held last November 24-26, 2024, aimed to advance the culinary and hospitality expertise of BS Hospitality Management (BS HM) and Certificate in Culinary Arts (CCA) students. The highlight of the tour was an immersive culinary session at the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School, a global leader in authentic Thai cuisine.
At Blue Elephant Cooking School, students worked closely with expert chefs to prepare classic Thai dishes, gaining practical experience with traditional techniques, local ingredients, and the cultural nuances of Thai gastronomy. This hands-on training enhanced the participants’ culinary skills and provided valuable insights into the heritage and artistry behind one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. The tour also included visits to Bangkok’s cultural and historical landmarks, offering students a broader understanding of how local culture and cuisine influence a destination’s identity and contribute to its tourism industry. These experiences complemented their academic foundation, providing a well-rounded perspective on the hospitality and tourism industries.
Guided by Hospitality Management Program Chair Dr. Maria Madel M. Ocampo and CCA Program Chair Chef Patrick Henry Maravilla, the tour allowed students to deepen their understanding of hospitality and culinary arts by immersing themselves in Bangkok’s rich cultural and professional landscape. The Bangkok International Educational Tour (IET) and other international learning experiences, held in Singapore and Taiwan, for Tourism Management and Culinary Arts students affirm De La Salle Lipa’s dedication to providing a holistic education that transcends classroom boundaries. Through immersive, experiential learning opportunities, the institution reinforces its commitment to preparing students to excel and gain valuable, globally relevant training in the highly competitive fields of hospitality and culinary arts.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
