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| L-R: Power Mac Center Assistant Marketing Manager Miguel Carpio, National Book Store President Adrian Ramos, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing Hanna Carinna T. Sy, National University Senior Director for Business Development and Linkages Dr. Shainne Hostalero, SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 Grand Winner Jamver Mallari, Power Mac Center Senior Business Development Manager Niña Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/SM Supermalls) |
A thrilling showdown of sharp minds and spelling prowess unfolded as SM Supermalls hosted the Grand Finals of the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 last October 4, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. After weeks of elimination rounds across SM malls nationwide, the country’s brightest young spellers gathered to showcase their mastery of words in a battle of wit, confidence, and linguistic skill.
The grand finals featured three challenging phases: the Written Spelling Round where contestants raced to spell ten words correctly to advance, the Oral Spelling Round which tested their composure under pressure, and the nail-biting Final Oral Spelling Round where the last three spellers faced off using buzzers until only one champion emerged. In the end, Jamver Mallari of SM City Legazpi rose above the competition, demonstrated exceptional focus, determination, and talent to be crowned the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 Grand Winner. The champion received a prize package that included a 100% tuition and miscellaneous fee discount at National University, ₱25,000 in cash, ₱25,000 in SM gift certificates, a ₱150,000 National Bookstore gift card, a ₱20,000 Jollibee e-gift card, and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center. On the other hand, Topel Maglana of SM City Davao and Lucas Pedroza of SM City Bacolod were hailed as first and second runners-up, respectively. They received a 100% tuition discount at National University and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center. They also got cash prizes and gift certificates from SM Supermalls, National Bookstore, and Jollibee.
“This year’s Super Spelling Bee has once again highlighted the brilliance of Filipino students and their passion for learning. At SM, we are proud to provide a platform that celebrates academic excellence, builds confidence, and inspires the next generation of leaders,” said SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing Hanna Carinna Sy. Through the SM Super Spelling Bee, SM Supermalls continues to champion educational opportunities while creating memorable events for students and families alike.
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More Than A Game: TNT Tropang 5G And PLDT High Speed Hitters Thank Fans For Standing Strong Through Every Season
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| TNT Tropang 5G (top) and PLDT High Speed Hitters (bottom) at the “Champions Together” Grand Fans Day to thank fans for standing strong and staying loyal every season (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/Kennedy Caacbay) |
The One Ayala Mall Activity Center was filled with cheers and gratitude as TNT Tropang 5G and PLDT High Speed Hitters hosted their joint “Champions Together” Grand Fans Day which brought together thousands of supporters in a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and shared victories.
Fans from across Metro Manila and nearby provinces came to meet their sports idols. Hendrix Manaoat from Valenzuela shared, “Para sa TNT, pumunta talaga ako dito. Kahit umulan, kahit malayo. Yung puso, nandito.” A ka-Tropa since 2011, Robin Delgaco from Caloocan added, “Dream ko talaga makita sila. Kahit SIM card ko, TNT pa rin.” For TNT’s Kim Aurin, the event was a reminder of the team’s purpose. He shared, “Sobrang excited kami makita yung fans kasi sila talaga ang nagbibigay buhay sa amin bilang players. Maraming salamat sa malupitang suporta ninyo. Gagawin namin ang best namin sa 50th anniversary ng PBA.” PLDT’s Kim Kianna Dy, who recently returned from injury, expressed deep appreciation, stating, “It was a long wait, and I’m super grateful the fans kept cheering even when I wasn’t playing. They’re one of the reasons I kept going.” She also reflected on the team’s journey: “Hard work always works. It wasn’t easy to get a back-to-back championship. We just worked hard, stayed together, and trusted the process.” Yul Solajes, a fan and volleyball player from Taguig, shared how Dy inspired him: “She’s a natural. As a player myself, I relate to her journey. She’s an inspiration inside and outside the court.”
The event featured interactive booths, games, and exclusive merchandise, but the highlight was the connection between athletes and fans. PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Sports Jude R. Turcuato said, “We don’t just build teams — we build communities. Today showed us that the heart of sports isn’t just in the game, but in the people who believe in it.” The message was clear: “Champions Together” is more than a slogan — it’s a commitment to the fans who continue to support, celebrate, and stand by their teams through every season. PLDT and Smart remain committed to supporting Filipino athletes by creating platforms that connect teams with their communities, investing in grassroots development, and championing sports as a source of national pride and unity.
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World Pet Expo 2025 Redefines World-Class Industry Experience
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Worldbex Services International) |
The inaugural World Pet Expo 2025 successfully concluded its first-ever run last September 25–28, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, marking a historic milestone as the Philippines’ first and largest all-inclusive pet expo. Drawing an impressive 35,780 attendees and 16,840 pets over four days, the event brought together pet lovers, industry leaders, exhibitors, and organizations on one vibrant platform that celebrated the pet industry like never before. From innovative showcases to exciting competitions and informative talks, World Pet Expo 2025 became a hub of discovery, connection, and celebration for the growing pet-loving community.
Behind this groundbreaking event is Worldbex Services International (WSI), the country’s leading exhibitions and events organizer. With a solid reputation for pioneering world-class trade shows across multiple industries, WSI extended its expertise to the pet sector, creating a first-of-its-kind expo that combined advocacy, entertainment, and innovation. By uniting exhibitors, partners, and enthusiasts, World Pet Expo 2025 not only highlighted the dynamic growth of the pet industry but also fostered a stronger, more connected community of pet owners and advocates. The overwhelming success of World Pet Expo 2025 affirms the start of a lasting legacy — one that strengthens the bond between humans and animals while spearheading responsible pet care and welfare. As it sets the bar higher for future editions, World Pet Expo promises to remain the ultimate platform for collaboration, education, and celebration in the ever-growing world of pets.
The World Pet Expo 2025 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach us at (02)8656-92-69 or email us at inquire@worldbexevents.com.
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MOONTON Games, ABS-CBN Foundation Aid Calamity Victims
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MOONTON Games) |
In the wake of Typhoon Opong in South Luzon and the recent earthquake that struck Cebu, countless families have been left struggling to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Roofs were torn apart, communities displaced, and lives upended. Yet amid the destruction, the Filipino spirit endures — steadfast, compassionate, and full of hope. To help ease the burden, MOONTON Games, through a long-term partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, reached out to affected communities, bringing with them not just goods, but a message of care and shared strength.
Volunteers and local partners came together to distribute relief packs filled with essential goods to families most affected by the typhoon and earthquake. Each pack includes rice and canned goods, basic necessities that provide comfort and sustenance for families trying to recover in the Bicol Region. The relief effort continues across some of the hardest-hit areas in Cebu, such as Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daangbantayan. MOONTON Games Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Jose Chua Jr. said, “With every relief pack we share, we hope families feel the warmth, care, and compassion that come with it. This is more than just providing aid, it’s also about reminding every Filipino that they are not alone, that a community stands with them through every hardship. As a gaming company, our purpose has always gone beyond the screen. We are a community bound by connection, empathy, and shared strength. And in times like these, that sense of unity matters more than ever.”
As relief operations continue, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to stand with every Filipino family affected by disaster, carrying with them the simple but powerful belief that hope multiplies when shared.
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Elevate, Engage, Grow: How Superior Customer Experience Fuels Business Success
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| Palawan Group executives (L-R) — Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, President and Chief Executive Officer Karlo M. Castro, Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro, Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro, Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, and Chief Operations Officer Roberto Ben “Bobit” Castro — united in purpose and guiding the organization to new heights (Image Source: Manila Standard/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
At the Palawan Group of Companies, leadership is more than a corporate title — it is a responsibility that directly shapes the experience of millions of “Sukis” who rely on the brand’s services daily, from the busiest city centers to the most remote barrios. This belief took center stage at the Palawan Group of Companies’ Leadership Conference held last September 26, 2025 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. The gathering brought together over 200 executives from across the country, including area managers and corporate office leaders for a day of reflection, learning, and renewed commitment to service.
In his opening remarks, Chief Operations Officer Bobbit M. Castro reminded participants of the company’s forward-looking mission as it marks its 40th year, stating, “Growth doesn’t pause. Excellence doesn’t settle. Now, as we celebrate four decades of serbisyong Palawan, we’re not just looking back with pride — we are preparing for something higher. Something greater. Something more meaningful than everything we have achieved thus far.” President and CEO Karlo M. Castro followed with a powerful message on the weight of leadership: “Not all heroes wear capes. Often, they wear the badge of leadership and carry the responsibility of guiding others toward excellence.” Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando, meanwhile, officially launched the Palawan Group Leadership Development Program. She underscored the company’s commitment to continuously invest in the development of its people – the heartbeat of the organization. Group HR Lead Val Santos explained that the Palawan Group Leadership Program is anchored on the newly introduced Leadership and Core Competency Profile. Together, these serve as a powerful framework to guide our leaders in developing the right mindset, heartset, and skillset needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing business environment. She emphasized: “This dual launch is more than just a milestone — it is a strategic enabler of the organization’s growth.” The event also featured renowned inspirational speaker Francis Kong, who spoke on purposeful leadership in times of change. He challenged Palawan managers to embrace adaptability and creativity as daily practices: “In times of rapid change, leaders must embrace agility and innovation — not as buzzwords, but as daily disciplines. The ability to adapt quickly while finding better ways to serve is what will separate good leaders from great ones.” To share best practices on elevating customer experience across industries, a fireside chat was held featuring Pickup Coffee Philippines President and Country CEO Rami Chahwan as well as Mr. DIY Chief Operating Officer, Angkas Growth Advisor, and Creator Executive Director John Velasco.
With the battlecry “Onward, Upward, Together”, the conference likened leadership to climbing a summit — a journey of resilience, teamwork, and shared purpose. For Palawan, the summit remains clear: to make reliable and affordable financial services accessible to every Filipino. More than a conference, the gathering was a reaffirmation of Palawan Group’s philosophy that leadership is a continuous journey — one that thrives on collaboration, growth, and malasakit for both people and communities. As Palawan Group celebrates four decades of service, its leaders say the vision is set firmly on the next 40 years and beyond: investing in people, strengthening leadership, and ensuring that at every step forward, the Suki remains at the heart of what they do.
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Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness Beyond The Finish Line
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| (Image Source: BusinessWorld/Maxicare Corporation) |
Running, more than a physical activity, is a pursuit of something greater: a healthier body and mind, a community, a sense of fulfillment or perhaps, overcoming a personal challenge. And in the process, it also provides valuable lessons that can be applied in your everyday life to unleash greatness such as taking better care of your body, recognizing big and small achievements, and going beyond your perceived limits. This is the central theme of this year’s edition of Run For Wellness, an annual running event organized by Southstar Drug and Maxicare that encourages participants to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle through running.
Run For Wellness 2025 celebrated a vibrant running community across two legs, welcoming beginners, seasoned runners, families, barkadas, running clubs, and fitness enthusiasts. The first leg, held on July 22 at UP Diliman, Quezon City, saw over 9,000 participants, while the second leg held last September 14 in Naga City had 2,713 participants joining the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories. This combined effort resulted in 11,902 total participants, marking the largest runner turnout for a Run For Wellness series to date. Continuing their advocacy as champions of health and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php50,000 to Naga City’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office that was received by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the awarding ceremony of Run For Wellness Naga. “The record-high turnout of participants in this year’s Run For Wellness shows how more people are prioritizing their overall health and well-being by integrating running and exercise in their life. Aside from unleashing greatness, this is also our way of encouraging Filipinos to take the first step towards a better version of themselves and develop healthier habits in the long run. On top of providing the finest healthcare services, Maxicare supports Filipinos in their journey towards their best life through events like Run For Wellness, reaffirming our commitment to enabling a healthier future,” said Maxicare Chief Customer Officer Raymond Hernandez.
Unleashing greatness continues beyond the finish line. Run For Wellness is just the starting point, a catalyst when it comes to prioritizing one’s overall health and well-being. Take all the valuable lessons running has taught you — the rest of the journey is yours to take!
