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| (Image Source: SunStar Philippines/SM Supermalls) |
Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially. Held across 87 SM malls nationwide, the TTC program provides a convenient and accessible platform for shoppers, tenants, and local communities to participate in sustainable waste management. By ensuring that recyclables are properly sorted and repurposed, TTC actively contributes to the circular economy, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
The impact of TTC has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, the initiative successfully collected more than 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating a total of over Php28M (28 million Philippine pesos) in earnings for participants. This is equivalent to 204,000 trees saved if all recyclable wastes are paper or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emission if all recyclable wastes are plastic. More than just a recycling initiative, TTC empowers individuals, organizations, and businesses by making sustainability a rewarding and community-driven practice. “TTC is more than just a recycling program — it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities. By participating, people not only contribute to waste reduction but also gain financial incentives, proving that sustainability can be both impactful and rewarding,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. As climate challenges continue to grow, initiatives like TTC show that small actions, when done collectively, lead to significant environmental impact. By participating in this program, individuals can contribute to the fight against waste pollution, support the circular economy, and take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.
With TTC locations spread nationwide, SM Supermalls provides convenient drop-off points where customers can properly dispose of materials such as paper, plastic bottles, and other recyclable waste. Joining the TTC movement is easy. Segregate your recyclable waste and bring them to any participating SM mall. You can visit the SM Supermalls official website for ways to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. To learn more about TTC and other sustainability initiatives under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.
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CCP Lights Up Iconic Building And Theater For Women’s Month
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| CCP's Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in purple in celebration of Women's Month (Image Source: Daily Tribune/Cultural Center Of The Philippines/Rodel Valiente Photography) |
The Main Building and the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are now bathed in vibrant purple throughout the month of March to commemorate National Women’s Month. Purple, the official color of Women’s Month, symbolizes justice, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s rights. Through this light display, the CCP honors the significant contributions of Filipino women across various fields. The purple illumination serves as both a tribute and a call for continued advocacy for gender equality and women empowerment.
“The vibrant glow illuminating the CCP this Women’s Month is more than just an impressive show. This initiative aims to inspire reflection and appreciation for the vital role women play in shaping the nation’s history and culture. It serves as a powerful reminder of CCP’s commitment to women empowerment and gender equality not only in the field of arts, but even beyond,” said CCP President Kaye Tinga. Produced by the creative staff of the Production Design and Technical Services Division, the CCP light show uses Parabolic Aluminized Reflector 64 lighting fixtures. By highlighting these achievements, the CCP promotes Philippine culture and values, using expressive arts to engage a wide audience.
The CCP Main Building and TIG’s light show runs daily (except Mondays) at 6:30-9:30 pm until March 31, 2025. The country’s observance of Women’s Month is deeply rooted in the global commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) recently observed last March 8, 2025, a tradition born from the early 20th-century activism of women advocating for labor rights and gender equality. IWD was later officially recognized by the United Nations as a day to honor women’s contributions and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights globally.
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AirAsia Philippines Enhances Travel Readiness During Ramadan
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| (Image Source: People's Tonight Online/AirAsia Philippines) |
With an estimated 15 million Muslims residing in the Philippines, AirAsia Philippines stands in solidarity with the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan, offering convenient and inclusive travel experience. Filipinos planning to embark on religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah can conveniently fly across AirAsia’s 136 routes. From Manila, guests may connect to AirAsia’s mega hub in Kuala Lumpur and fly to Jeddah, the principal gateway to Mecca, via non-stop flights lasting approximately 9 hours. Muslim travelers also have the option of subscribing to services provided by Ikhlas, a dedicated platform providing seamless online access to faith-based services, including Umrah and Hajj travel, Shariah-compliant lifestyle choices including Muslim-friendly travel packages, and other religious obligations. Ikhlas is accessible via ikhlas.com or by downloading the Ikhlas app.
“As an airline that deeply values diversity and inclusivity, we want to take part in meaningful journeys such as pilgrimage. Our fly-thru option conveniently connects our guests from one AirAsia destination to another without the hassle of collecting baggage at the transit hub. Our Muslim brothers and sisters can also fly with confidence as we offer a variety of Halal-certified in-flight meal options that are thoughtfully aligned with their dietary requirements,” said AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs First Officer Steve Dailisan. As AirAsia continues to champion affordable and accessible air travel, the airline remains dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for guests of all backgrounds, especially during meaningful occasions such as Ramadan.
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PH President Marcos Supports PSAC's Push For Healthcare Expansion And PhilHealth Reforms
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| Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. with officials of Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector (Image Source: Journal Online/Private Sector Advisory Council Secretariat) |
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector, in collaboration with industry leaders and the government, is driving key healthcare reforms aimed at expanding healthcare facilities and pharmacies, improving access to medicines, and strengthening PhilHealth’s support value to curb out-of-pocket healthcare spending. At the 8th PSAC Healthcare Sector Meeting held at Malacañang Palace in Manila last March 6, 2025, discussions focused on policy reforms and strategic initiatives to strengthen healthcare accessibility and resilience. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded PSAC’s proposals, highlighting the private sector’s vital role in driving healthcare reforms for the benefit of Filipinos. PSAC has proposed updates to hospital licensing and physical facility standards to accelerate the establishment of new hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The council recommends a shift to outcome-based regulations, which would streamline hospital renewal processes and promote network-based healthcare models for better resource distribution. This reform is crucial, as the country faces a hospital bed deficit amid increasing demand.
To improve access to essential medicines, PSAC supports the expansion of community pharmacies, particularly in underserved regions. A regulatory sandbox approach is being explored to allow licensed pharmacists to oversee multiple pharmacies remotely, leveraging telepharmacy services and enhancing the role of pharmacy assistants. Data from the meeting revealed a shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists alongside geographical disparity in terms of distribution of existing pharmacies, prompting the need for innovative solutions to improve medicine availability. PSAC is working closely with PhilHealth to expand benefit packages, upgrade its IT systems, and enhance financial transparency. The Konsulta Program, which provides free outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, has grown quite steadily with over 21% of Filipinos now covered, up from 0.37% in 2021. PSAC also advocated for fast-track approvals of 14 essential medicines — targeting diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers — which will further support cost reductions for patients.
“We are working towards a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system. Collaboration between the government and private sector is key to ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of financial standing, has access to quality healthcare,” said PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead and AC Health CEO Paolo Borromeo. With President Marcos’ endorsement, PSAC remains committed to public–private partnerships that drive lasting healthcare improvements, lower healthcare costs, and stronger health system for the current and future generations.
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BLACK EYED PEAS Live In Manila 2025
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| (Image Source: Philippine Concerts/Wilbros Live) |
Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning trio and one of the best-selling groups of all time, BLACK EYED PEAS is finally coming to Manila on August 27, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on March 15, 2025, 12:00 pm, via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Over the past 30 years, the Los Angeles trio – will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo – have achieved sales of 35 million albums and 120 million singles across seminal releases such as Elephunk, The E.N.D., and more. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for downloaded tracks” (Nielsen) and landed on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade”. In 2011, they dazzled the world with a landmark performance at the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show. They have released several chart-topping hits, including “I Gotta Feeling”, “Where is the Love?”, “Pump It”, “Boom Boom Pow”, “My Humps”, “Meet Me Halfway”, “Let’s Get It Started”, “The Time (Dirty Bit)”, “Don’t Stop The Party”, and many more.
Their eighth studio album, TRANSLATION, achieved staggering international success after its release in 2020. Featuring major collaborations with artists such as J Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Shakira, Nicky Jam, and Tyga, the long-player garnered eight nominations at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, including ‘Crossover Artist of the Year” and “Hot Latin Song of the Year” for “RITMO” and a nomination at the 2021 Latin Music Awards for “Favorite Artists – Crossover”. The album resulted in a series of chart-topping singles, including the massively successful “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” [feat. J Balvin] and “MAMACITA” [feat. Ozuna and J.Rey Soul], both of which achieved #1 status on three Billboard Charts each, numerous award nominations, and gold, platinum, and diamond certifications globally. The knockout album single from December 2020, “GIRL LIKE ME” [feat. Shakira] continued this streak, achieving success on Latin and Top 40 radio, sparking a viral TikTok challenge in late 2020, and scooping “Best Latin” award at the MTV VMAs, while 2021’s ‘HIT IT’ with Saweetie and Lele Pons racked up 5.8M global audio streams, 1.1M US audio streams and almost 10M YouTube views in its first week alone.
The success of TRANSLATION demonstrated Black Eyed Peas’ ability to reinvent themselves along with the changing times, a fact reconfirmed in 2022 when the band reunited with Shakira and David Guetta for DON’T YOU WORRY, the first single to drop from their ninth studio album ELEVATION. The hugely successful lead single was swiftly followed by the Anitta and El Alfa collaboration SIMPLY THE BEST. In 2023 true BEP fashion, harnessing the musical forces of the Americas, the next single BAILAR CONTIGO (with reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee) followed by GUARANTEE (SUMMER MIX), has opened up yet another brilliant chapter in the continuing story of the Black Eyed Peas in nothing less than international chart-topping style.
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Miss Universe PH 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee Launches First Single “Reyna” Under ABS-CBN Music And GMA Partnership
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| Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent Michelle Marquez Dee, aka MMD, marks her debut into the music scene with the single “Reyna” under a groundbreaking partnership between ABS-CBN Music and GMA. MMD delivers a song that champions confidence, strength, and beauty, which is perfectly timed for Women’s Month. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on,” said Dee about the music project which was almost a year in the making.
The host-actress is one of the Kapuso acts who will be releasing music under the exciting collaboration of ABS-CBN Music and GMA. Her dance-pop single “Reyna” released under Star Music encourages listeners to overcome self-doubt and insecurities and embrace their own ‘royalty’ with the line “ako ay isang reyna, reyna, reyna, REYNA! Lakas loob ang aking korona”. MMD, who took part in the creative process of making the new anthem, believes that it will resonate with many listeners who are struggling with uncertainties and doubts. The affirmative song was written by Angelica Tagadtad and produced by ABS-CBN Music overall creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.
