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| Two Happy Walkers take small, meaningful steps with the support and fanfare of the SM community. (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Supermalls) |
This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome. Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.
For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations. “Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said DSAPI Board Member and Happy Walk 2025 Head Nill Patrick Arroyo. With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.
“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Engr. Bien C. Mateo. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant.
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DOT And TPB Cap Successful Participation At ITB Berlin 2025, Generating Over Php600M In Sales Leads
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| The "Love The Philippines" booth at ITB Berlin 2025 (Image Source: Journal Online/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
The Philippines wrapped up a highly successful participation at Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025, generating Php637,404,262.50 in sales leads, a 30.31% increase from last year. The country’s strong performance reflects its growing appeal as a must-visit destination for a global audience of tour operators, travel agencies, online travel platforms, and media representatives. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines led a delegation of 29 private sector exhibitors from the travel and tour agencies, destination management companies, and the accommodation sector. Key destinations that garnered heightened interest included Siargao, Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo, Ilocos Sur, and Negros Occidental, among others.
“The enthusiasm for our renowned and emerging destinations affirms the transformative experiences that await visitors to our shores. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our Philippine sellers, whose hard work translated into strong partnerships with the global tourism industry,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. The Philippines’ world-class artistry and creativity were on full display during the Philippine Networking Night held last March 4. More than 40 international trade buyers attended the event to connect with Philippine co-exhibitors and enjoy a captivating a capella performance, a mesmerizing bartending flair, and an electrifying human beatbox act. Likewise, as part of the booth activations for the three-day fair, guests witnessed a live demonstration of handmade Sagada stoneware pottery and had the opportunity to try their hand at pottery making.
Nograles added, “Along with our country’s breathtaking destinations comes a diversity of immersive experiences visitors can enjoy. We are optimistic that the partnerships we have forged and the interest we have generated will lead to greater global awareness of the Philippines and, ultimately, increased visitor arrivals, strengthening our tourism industry in the years ahead.” The Philippines has maintained its presence in ITB Berlin since 1985. In 2023, projected sales revenue reached Php271.5M (271.5 million Philippine pesos), followed by a 50% increase in 2024 to Php489.1M (489.1 million Philippine pesos.
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AirAsia Philippines Advises Guests To Comply With New Cabin Policy On Powerbank Use
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines continues to bolster its commitment to global aviation safety standards by strictly enforcing new guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the use of portable electronic devices, particularly powerbank. In CAAP’s advisory, the use of power banks during flights is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. AirAsia Philippines’ new policy still allows the carriage of not more than two (2) power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh).
Power banks must not be stored in overhead compartments and should instead be kept with guests’ personal belongings under the seat or in the seat pocket in front. Use of power bank inflight is not permitted. AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan, shares, “While we understand that power banks are now part of travel essentials for our guests, safety always comes first at AirAsia. We highly encourage our guests to charge their electronic devices prior to boarding and ensure maximum compliance that is enforced by our highly trained on ground and inflight crew.”
AirAsia Philippines will remind guests of this policy before boarding. Passengers found using power banks onboard will receive a warning, and if still non-compliance persists, the device will be confiscated and returned upon landing. For flights bound for South Korea, additional regulations apply. Guests are likewise advised to visit airasia.com or AskBo through the AirAsia MOVE App.
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Mang Inasal, Fyang Smith Go Viral As New Halo-Halo Video Hits Two Million Views In Just Seven Hours
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Mang Inasal) |
Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo music video, featuring Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 Big Winner Fyang Smith, became an instant hit last March 17, 2025, trending No. 1 on X (formerly Twitter) and reaching two million organic views in just seven hours across multiple platforms. The video showcases Fyang joyfully dancing to the CreamyYESS Extra Creamy Halo-Halo jingle, earning praise from online viewers who loved both her refreshing energy and Mang Inasal’s iconic summer treat. Meanwhile, on Facebook, “Mang Inasal”, “Mang Inasal Halo-Halo”, and “Mang Inasal Fyang” trended throughout the day as netizens eagerly discussed Fyang’s debut television commercial.
“The overwhelming response to the music video reflects how much Filipinos really enjoy our Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and how Fyang effectively connects with them. We wanted to capture the Unli-Saya (unlimited fun) of summer at Mang Inasal, and we’re glad to see people enjoying it,” said Mang Inasal Marketing Head Allan Tan. Fans took to social media to share their excitement, with comments like, “Iba ang energy ni Fyang!! Bagay na bagay this summer. At dahil na-LLS ako sa bagong video, sumugod talaga ako sa pinakamalapit na Mang Inasal branch! Ito na talaga ang sign, deserve nating lahat ng creamyYESS Halo-Halo!” (“Fyang’s vibe is perfect for summer! The new video got me LLS-ed, so I headed straight to the nearest Mang Inasal. This is the sign we all deserve a creamyYESS Halo-Halo!“) Others mentioned how the TVC instantly made them crave halo-halo.
To make Mang Inasal’s FYANGtastic summer even more exciting, the brand recently launched the CreamyYESS Halo-Halo Caravan — a nationwide tour offering free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo at select locations, in partnership with the Department of Tourism’s Love The Flavors, Love The Philippines campaign. Other upcoming activities include the National Halo-Halo Blowout on March 30, 2025 and a limited-time 4 Cheese Halo-Halo available until April 30, 2025.
LEGO Group, The Pokémon Company International Team Up To Bring The World Of Pokémon To Life Brick By Brick
The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International announced a new multi-year partnership that will bring LEGO® Pokémon™ to fans for the first time from 2026. Since the debut of the Pokémon franchise back in 1995, fans have dreamed of becoming Pokémon Trainers, and now they can take that experience even further... one brick at a time. This new partnership will bring the world of Pokémon to life in entirely new ways, allowing fans to build beloved Pokémon in LEGO brick form.
LEGO Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer Julia Goldin said, "We are thrilled to be working with a brand that has such a deep and passionate fanbase as Pokémon, partnering to give our joint audiences what they have been asking us for. We strongly believe that through the endless possibilities of LEGO play and the exciting adventures the world of Pokémon brings, this partnership will create a range of new possibilities for Trainers and builders alike. The Pokémon Company International Chief Product and Experience Officer Gaku Susai added, “The LEGO Group and Pokémon have strong shared values of imagination, creativity and fun, making this the perfect partnership to deliver unique, meaningful and engaging ways for Trainers to experience the Pokémon brand. Working with the best-in-class team at the LEGO Group and seeing their dedication and passion for the project has culminated in an innovative and groundbreaking collaboration that will surprise and delight fans. We cannot wait to see both LEGO fans and the Pokémon community’s reactions in 2026.”
The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International both have a long history of pushing the boundaries of social play, which is at the core of this partnership. For the first time, the LEGO Group will be bringing the most loved Pokémon to life in a brand-new way, with play experiences that will delight new and existing fans alike. Fans should keep their binoculars peeled and their Pokédex ready to experience the world of LEGO Pokémon, coming their way in 2026. For more information as it is yet to be revealed, visit www.lego.com/pokemon.
Run To Share 2025: A Run For Fitness And A Greater Cause
On April 6, 2025, runners and fitness enthusiasts will gather at Ayala Triangle, Makati, for the first ever “Run to Share”, an event lead by I Want To Share Foundation to raise funds to support blood transfusions for children battling cancer in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Pedia Hema-Onco Division. Organized as part of Car-Free Sundays on Ayala Avenue, this run offers an opportunity to promote health and wellness while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Participants can choose between a 3K (Php1,000) or 5K (Php1,200) route and comes with Race Shirt, medal, and many raffle prizes in store from Vision Express, Nutribullet, and many more. Call time is at 5:30 am and run starts at 6:00 am. Starting line will be in front of Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle Gardens. Beyond the physical benefits of running, Run to Share 2025 highlights the importance of collective action in support for pediatric cancer patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions. Whether participants are experienced runners or just looking for a way to stay active, this event is a chance to contribute to a vital cause while enjoying a morning run through the heart of Makati.
Registration is now open, and interested participants can scan the QR code on the event poster or visit https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102316/run-to-share-2025.
To make Mang Inasal’s FYANGtastic summer even more exciting, the brand recently launched the CreamyYESS Halo-Halo Caravan — a nationwide tour offering free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo at select locations, in partnership with the Department of Tourism’s Love The Flavors, Love The Philippines campaign. Other upcoming activities include the National Halo-Halo Blowout on March 30, 2025 and a limited-time 4 Cheese Halo-Halo available until April 30, 2025.
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LEGO Group, The Pokémon Company International Team Up To Bring The World Of Pokémon To Life Brick By Brick
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| (Image Source: LEGO/The Pokemon Company International) |
The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International announced a new multi-year partnership that will bring LEGO® Pokémon™ to fans for the first time from 2026. Since the debut of the Pokémon franchise back in 1995, fans have dreamed of becoming Pokémon Trainers, and now they can take that experience even further... one brick at a time. This new partnership will bring the world of Pokémon to life in entirely new ways, allowing fans to build beloved Pokémon in LEGO brick form.
LEGO Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer Julia Goldin said, "We are thrilled to be working with a brand that has such a deep and passionate fanbase as Pokémon, partnering to give our joint audiences what they have been asking us for. We strongly believe that through the endless possibilities of LEGO play and the exciting adventures the world of Pokémon brings, this partnership will create a range of new possibilities for Trainers and builders alike. The Pokémon Company International Chief Product and Experience Officer Gaku Susai added, “The LEGO Group and Pokémon have strong shared values of imagination, creativity and fun, making this the perfect partnership to deliver unique, meaningful and engaging ways for Trainers to experience the Pokémon brand. Working with the best-in-class team at the LEGO Group and seeing their dedication and passion for the project has culminated in an innovative and groundbreaking collaboration that will surprise and delight fans. We cannot wait to see both LEGO fans and the Pokémon community’s reactions in 2026.”
The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International both have a long history of pushing the boundaries of social play, which is at the core of this partnership. For the first time, the LEGO Group will be bringing the most loved Pokémon to life in a brand-new way, with play experiences that will delight new and existing fans alike. Fans should keep their binoculars peeled and their Pokédex ready to experience the world of LEGO Pokémon, coming their way in 2026. For more information as it is yet to be revealed, visit www.lego.com/pokemon.
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Run To Share 2025: A Run For Fitness And A Greater Cause
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/I Want To Share Foundation) |
On April 6, 2025, runners and fitness enthusiasts will gather at Ayala Triangle, Makati, for the first ever “Run to Share”, an event lead by I Want To Share Foundation to raise funds to support blood transfusions for children battling cancer in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Pedia Hema-Onco Division. Organized as part of Car-Free Sundays on Ayala Avenue, this run offers an opportunity to promote health and wellness while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Participants can choose between a 3K (Php1,000) or 5K (Php1,200) route and comes with Race Shirt, medal, and many raffle prizes in store from Vision Express, Nutribullet, and many more. Call time is at 5:30 am and run starts at 6:00 am. Starting line will be in front of Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle Gardens. Beyond the physical benefits of running, Run to Share 2025 highlights the importance of collective action in support for pediatric cancer patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions. Whether participants are experienced runners or just looking for a way to stay active, this event is a chance to contribute to a vital cause while enjoying a morning run through the heart of Makati.
Registration is now open, and interested participants can scan the QR code on the event poster or visit https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102316/run-to-share-2025.