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With the death toll rising to 188, according to the Office of the Civil Defense on Friday morning, 135 of which are from Cebu province, St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels is offering free funeral services to the victims of Typhoon Tino in Cebu, to ease the burden of grieving families and provide support during this difficult time.“St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels joins all Cebuanos in prayer and unity,” the company said in its official statement. “As we face the challenges brought by both the earthquake and Typhoon Tino, we remain committed to serving our communities with compassion, dignity, and care.

Magkauban ta sa pagbangon.”Families in need of assistance may contact St. Peter Chapels through Customer Support at (02) 8371-9999, (02) 7946-9999, or 0919-056-9999, or visit any of its chapels in Cebu City:St. Peter Chapels Cebu City – ImusNew Imus St., Brgy. Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City(032) 268-5601, (032) 268-4560, (032) 514-2732, 0997-204-4614, 0999-351-9528St. Peter Chapels Cebu – BurgosP. Burgos St., Cebu City(032) 348-0739, 0968-596-7963St. Peter Chapels – TalisayFidel Bas St., Upper Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu(032) 268-9480, 0969-139-6504, 0915-192-0717, 0948-237-8967###About St. PeterSt. Peter is a trusted deathcare expert in the Philippines, committed to serving Filipinos with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Through its comprehensive memorial services, quality products, and innovative solutions, St. Peter upholds its mission of love that endures beyond life—providing peace of mind and dignity to every Filipino it serves.

For more information, visit https://www.stpeter.com.ph/ or shop conveniently online through https://online.stpeter.com.ph/.

The holiday season moves fast: plans change, vibes switch, and no two days feel the same. One moment it’s a sudden barkada night-out, the next it’s an unplanned family trip or a full-on binge-watch marathon with friends.

This is why Smart Prepaid has introduced Daily Data, a new lineup of data offers that gives subscribers the flexibility and convenience to choose exactly how much open-access data they need per day and how long it lasts.

With Daily Data, you can choose anywhere from 500 MB to 3 GB of data per day and pick a validity of 3, 7, 14, or 28 days – giving you full control of your connectivity no matter how unpredictable each holiday week becomes. Each Daily Data offer also comes with allocations for texts and calls, so all your connectivity needs are covered.

Smart Prepaid subscribers can easily avail of Daily Data offers via the Smart App, Smart Online Store, and accredited retailers, e-wallets, and convenience stores nationwide.

#FlexYourDay this holiday season

Armed with Daily Data, you can stay in control of your connectivity, regardless of how unpredictable the holiday season becomes.

Whether you have a sudden night out with friends, a spontaneous road trip, a marathon catch-up session on video call, or a quiet evening spent streaming your favorite Christmas movies, Daily Data flexes with you—adapting to your plans so you can stay connected and share every moment.

Subscribers who avail of Daily Data offers, P99 and up, are qualified to earn raffle entries for Smart Holideals, an ongoing Christmas raffle promo that gives you the chance to win P30,000 in weekly raffle draws from October 17 to December 31. 

The Smart Holideals raffle promo will culminate on January 6, 2026, when 3 lucky subscribers have a chance to win P1 million, P 3 million, or P5 million! To join, just text RAFFLE to 5858. 

Smart Prepaid encourages you to #FlexYourDay and celebrate the many ways you live out your holiday moments powered by Daily Data.

Simply post and share your unforgettable holiday moments on TikTok – whether you’re in party mode, chill mode, travel mode, binge mode, or anything in between — using the hashtag #FlexYourDay.

To know more about the Daily Data offer that suit your everyday needs, simply log in to the Smart App or visit the Smart Online Store now. #

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Mental health and well-being organization MindNation has reported a sharp rise in workplace stress, worry, and sadness among Filipinos, based on its 2024 WellBeing Survey of over 13,000 respondents. Findings reveal a sharp increase in emotional strain compared to 2022 figures – more employees report high stress, frequent worry, and persistent sadness — clear signs that burnout and emotional fatigue are becoming everyday realities.

Research shows that over 70% of people who need mental health services lack access, largely due to cost, stigma, and resource limitations.

Since 2020, MindNation has been a game-changer in mental health, transforming over 200,000 lives globally. Continuing its commitment to innovation, it now introduces the Infinity Plan – a new app-based subscription service offering more affordable, accessible, and personalized mental health care anytime, anywhere.

The Infinity Plan: A Subscription Model Built For Every You

1. Connect Plan – Ideal for those needing light-touch, quick support sessions

●            Intro Price: Php 888/month

●            Value: Php 7,200/month

●            Inclusions:

○            6 sessions of 8-Minute Connect

○            Access to the MindNation app

2. Infinity Plan – Designed for users seeking a regular care routine

●            Intro Price: Php 4,999/month

●            Value: Php 16,900/month

●            Inclusions:

○            Everything in the Connect Plan

○            Additional 2 (total 8) 8-Minute Connects

○            24/7 Chat (AI + Navigator support)

○            4 video sessions/month with any Expert (excl. psychiatrists)

3. Infinity+ Plan – For clients seeking high-frequency, intensive guidance

●            Price: Php 9,999/month

●            Value: Php 27,700/month

●            Inclusions:

○            Everything in the Infinity Plan

○            Additional 6 (total 8) Video Chat Sessions/month

○            Additional 4 (total 12) 8-Minute Connects/month

Key Innovation: 8-Minute Connect

MindNation proudly introduces 8-Minute Connect, a new in-app feature designed to make mental health support more accessible, immediate, and stigma-free. Whether it’s sharing good news, navigating a tough day, or simply needing someone to listen, 8-Minute Connect offers quick, meaningful conversations with Listeners – trained mental health allies ready to listen, validate, and guide.

Within 8 minutes, users can experience high-touch, focused support. No long waiting times – get connected immediately! No pressure to commit to an hour-long session. Just real human connection, right when you need it.

From celebrating life’s wins to unloading stress from work or relationships, 8-Minute Connect meets people where they are – providing immediate relief and empowering users to take the next step for their well-being.

“Even a few minutes of genuine connection can ease loneliness, anxiety, and depression symptoms. With 8-Minute Connect, we’re proving that micro-solutions can create macro impact. It’s tailored to meet you where you are – at work, at home, or on the go – through short, structured conversations  that hold space for healthy emotional expression and spark meaningful change” said Ms. Eiza Fusingan-Lappay, MindNation’s Chief WellBeing Officer.

These brief, structured engagements focus on mental wellness without disrupting workflow, making them easier to adopt. Cost-effective, stigma-free, and highly flexible, they provide targeted support that can create lasting improvements in well-being.

By breaking the stigma and making help available in approachable ways, MindNation continues to redefine how we seek support – one quick, powerful conversation at a time.

The MindNation app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store via https://bit.ly/mnapp-infinity.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In celebration of World Mental Health Month this October, mental health and well-being organization MindNation is launching its “Double the Care” campaign – a movement that makes mental health care more accessible, affordable, and impactful for all.

Aligned with the World Mental Health Day 2025 theme, “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” MindNation highlights that mental health support should be accessible in all seasons of life – whether during global crises or personal struggles.

“Mental health care should not wait until things collapse. It should be available, affordable, and accessible in daily challenges and extraordinary times alike.” said Eiza Fusingan-Lappay, LPT, RPm, RPsy, PhDc, Chief WellBeing Officer at MindNation.

Double the Care Campaign:
From October 1 to 31, 2025, MindNation is rolling out two key initiatives:

• Self Love Pack – 40% Off Psychologist Teletherapy
  3 one-hour sessions with a licensed MindNation psychologist, for only  ₱3,060. These sessions, paired with personalized MindED Worksheets, are designed to help you set boundaries, live intentionally, and strengthen relationships.
• Pay It Forward Sessions
  Book a session with a WellBeing Coach or specialist (including Grief Guide, Motivation Coach, Relationship Guide, or Stress Specialist), and MindNation will donate one free session to someone in need through the Community Therapy Fund. This applies to both individual and bundled WellBeing Coach packages.

In times of uncertainty, stress, and pressure, accessible support can make all the difference. “During times of crisis – whether personal, social, or global – mental health support becomes not just important but essential,” said Eiza Fusingan-Lappay, LPT, RPm, RPsy, PhDc, Chief WellBeing Officer at MindNation. “People need to know that help is available, care is accessible, and they don’t have to face their struggles alone. At MindNation, we’re committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that support is within reach for everyone, everywhere.”

MindNation’s campaign underscores that mental health support is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. By combining discounted therapy access with a donation-based model, MindNation catalyzes a ripple effect of hope and care across communities.

Promo Mechanics & Details

• Promo runs from October 1-31, 2025
• Book via email at book@mindnation.com or via Facebook/Instagram at @mindnation
• Open to ages 18+ (minors require guardian consent for psychologist sessions)
• Sessions are transferable but non-refundable; cannot be combined with PWD/Senior discounts

For more information, follow MindNation on Facebook and Instagram @mindnation.

[Quezon City, Philippines — October 2025] Showing its full support for the country’s education sector, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) joined the Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) in marking its 50th Founding Anniversary. The celebration, held at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, brought together teachers, administrators, officials, and partners from 21 divisions across Metro Manila. EWRB served as the only private bank invited as an official sponsor, providing the official event shirts for the participants.

DepEd NCR, one of the country’s largest regional offices, oversees more than 2,000 public elementary and secondary schools across Metro Manila, serving hundreds of thousands of teachers, non-teaching staff, and learners. Its golden anniversary marked five decades of service and excellence in public education.

The Fun Day celebration highlighted DepEd NCR’s focus on unity, wellness, and collaboration. These values align with EWRB’s continued partnership with the education community, particularly the teachers and school employees who form a vital part of its client base.

Representing EastWest Rural Bank at the event were Florinda S. De La Cruz, Business Relationship Manager; Mark Lioben F. Mortel, OIC – NCR Division, Teacher Salary Loan Operations Group; and Sales Team Leaders Reynaldo M. Andres (NCR Area 1), Jonnellie R. Lindongan (NCR Area 3), Gie Ann P. Panganiban (NCR Area 4), Myrthle Marie M. Nido (NCR Area 5), and Arnel P. Salazar (NCR Area 6).

DepEd NCR officials led by Regional Director and concurrent Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn DR. Andaya, along with 17 Schools Division Superintendents, were also present during the celebration.

Through its continued engagement with DepEd NCR, EastWest Rural Bank strengthens its mission to empower educators and communities by providing accessible financial solutions and support programs tailored for teachers nationwide.

 SM Cares officially turns over more than 70,000 books collected through its Book Nook Donation Drive across 88 SM malls to 88 partner libraries—strengthening its commitment to promote lifelong learning nationwide.

(L-R) SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President Ms. Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, National Library of the Philippines Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Book Nook Pioneer Ms. Shereen T. Sy, and SM Engineering Design and Development President Mr. Hans “Chico” T. Sy Jr.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, wrapped up the Book Nook Book Donation Drive with an inspiring show of community spirit, collecting over 70,000 pre-loved books across 88 SM malls nationwide. The initiative brought together thousands of Filipinos in a shared mission to spark the joy of reading and promote lifelong learning.

From Spark to Movement

“When SM celebrated its 40th anniversary, the focus was not on grandeur, but on purpose: to transform this spirit of sharing into a full-fledged Book Nook Book Donation Drive,” shared Mr. Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Director of the National Library of the Philippines. “From that spark, the journey truly took root, born from a shared belief that stories are gifts meant to be passed on.”

From July 7 to October 15, 2025, mallgoers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao donated books of all kinds — from children’s stories and educational materials to novels and reference titles — to benefit public libraries and community reading spaces across the country.

The reach of this initiative speaks volumes: the Book Nook Book Donation Drive has enriched 88 libraries and reading centers nationwide, including 74 affiliated public libraries in Luzon, 7 in the Visayas, and 7 in Mindanao. This collective effort will benefit an estimated 219,936 students, families, and educators, transforming libraries into vibrant hubs where learning thrives and stories come alive.

SM City Bacolod and its community delivers 5,600+ books to the Provincial Library of Negros Occidental —bringing stories closer to the community.

SM City Novaliches joins the nationwide Book Nook Book Donation Drive, turning over boxes of pre-loved books to local communities and schools to spread the joy of reading and learning.

Celebrating Literacy and Community Partnership

The culmination of the drive was marked by a ceremonial turnover held on November 27, 2025, at the National Library of the Philippines, where SM Cares formally turned over the collected books to its 88 partner library communities.

The event stood as a milestone celebration of how the Book Nook program continues to strengthen literacy and learning through accessible, community-based reading spaces located in SM malls nationwide.

“Through the Book Nook, we hope to nurture curiosity and creativity in every Filipino,”

 said Ms. Shereen T. Sy, Pioneer of the Book Nook program under SM Cares. “This initiative shows us how collective action can create lasting impact — one book, one reader, one community at a time.”

The youth remain at the heart of the Book Nook Book Donation Drive—equipping future generations with knowledge and learning opportunities through the gift of books.

Book Nook honors librarians nationwide who champion the love of reading and transform libraries into vibrant centers of learning.

Honoring the Champions of Literacy

During the turnover, Book Nook also recognized exemplary public librarians who have gone above and beyond in fostering literacy and learning in their communities. The Heart of the Library Award for Most Outstanding Librarian was presented to Ms. Michael “Aiko” Nagas of the City Library of San Fernando, La Union, for her dedication to making books and knowledge accessible to all.

Meanwhile, the Literacy Partner Award was presented to outstanding librarians across the country, including Ms. Rosena Roman of the City of Imus Public Library, Ms. Easter Wahayna-Pablo of the Baguio City Public Library, Ms. Mylene Villanueva of the Manila City Library, and Mr. Michael Pinto of the Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center. These individuals were honored for their invaluable efforts in promoting reading, cultivating lifelong learning, and inspiring their communities to grow through knowledge.

This milestone is more than a celebration—it’s a promise. SM Cares remains dedicated to empowering future generations through literacy and learning. Through initiatives like Book Nook, we aim to nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection. Learn more at https://linktr.ee/smbooknook or follow @OfficialSMCares and @SMBookNook.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 89 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

[Manila, Philippines] EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) marked its 12th anniversary with an outreach initiative that reached schools located in far-flung communities and areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. The program ran from November 5 to 20, 2025, covering selected public schools across Regions 5, 6, 7, and 11.

A total of 590 learners and 49 teachers received Jollibee meals, drawing and coloring materials, rice packs, and EWRB giveaways as part of the Bank’s anniversary activities.

According to Sheila Marasigan-Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, the activity shows the Bank’s intention to stay present in the communities it serves:

“Our team wanted to celebrate the anniversary by reaching out to schools that needed a boost after the recent typhoons. We are grateful to the teachers and school heads who welcomed us and allowed us to spend time with their learners.”

Teachers, school heads, and barangay representatives assisted in facilitating the distribution activities, which were conducted on-site in each community.

Overall, the outreach covered five public schools across four regions: Lipata Elementary School in Masbate and San Isidro Elementary School in Cataingan, both from Region 5; Cudian Elementary School in Brgy. Cudian, Ivisan, Capiz in Region 6; Combado Elementary School in Purok Pagtinabangay, Combado, Bogo City in Region 7; and Cayawan Elementary School in Manay, Davao Oriental in Region 11.

The anniversary outreach continues EWRB’s broader efforts to stay connected with schools and families in the countryside, especially during periods of recovery after natural calamities.

This Christmas, SM Malls in the East Metro makes holiday shopping effortless with an exciting selection of ready-to-give gifts—complete, beautifully packed, and easy to find across your favorite brands. Whether you’re looking for last-minute presents or curated sets for everyone on your list, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown offer a seamless shopping experience that covers all your gifting needs in one place.

With gift sets thoughtfully arranged and easy to spot across stores, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of choosing presents that are already packaged, themed, and carefully bundled—saving you time without sacrificing quality or style.

Shoppers can enjoy breeze-free gift-giving with easy-to-spot gifts from fashion, beauty, wellness, and specialty brands across the malls. SM Store, Penshoppe, Bench, Havaianas, and Alberto offer complete apparel and lifestyle bundles that make ready-to-wrap gifting effortless. 

Beauty and self-care lovers will also find curated sets from Ian Darcy with its signature scents; The Face Shop and The Body Shop featuring skincare must-haves, bath essentials, and makeup picks; Unisilver with elegant silver accessories; and Zen Zest offering personal and home fragrances. 

For those who prefer thoughtful treats, Marks & Spencer has gift bundles filled with chocolates, biscuits, wine, and other premium goodies. Meanwhile, wellness options like Katinko provide relief-focused packs with products for muscle pain, headaches, and everyday discomfort—perfect for practical and caring gifting.

At SM Malls in the East, finding the perfect present is as easy as strolling through your favorite halls. With complete gift sets, easy-find displays, and everything in one place, holiday shopping becomes not just stress-free but enjoyable and festive.

Discover effortless gifting with Holiday Giftables at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown today.

Filipinas now have a new reason to smile at SM City Grand Central, and it comes in the form of soft-focus skin, weightless tints, and that unmistakable, radiant glow. Happy Skin, the beloved homegrown beauty brand that seamlessly merges makeup with skincare, has officially opened its latest boutique, bringing its cult-favorite essentials closer to the Northern Metro’s busy, beauty-loving crowd.

For years, Filipina women have faced a familiar struggle: finding makeup that enhances without harming, and skincare that delivers results without draining the wallet. Happy Skin cracked the code back in 2013, and more than a decade later, it continues to redefine local beauty by offering products that nurture skin while you wear them. The brand’s newest store at SM City Grand Central makes that promise even more accessible to beauty enthusiasts in the region.

The store itself is a reflection of the brand’s signature aesthetic: clean, modern, and airy, with soft pink accents and warm neutrals that create a calm, inviting atmosphere. But the real attraction lies in the experience: a thoughtfully curated playground of makeup and skincare sourced from the world’s beauty capitals, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, all formulated with skin-loving ingredients designed for the Philippine climate and diverse Filipina skin tones.

Shoppers now can explore Happy Skin’s signature favorites, from the iconic “Shut Up & Kiss Me” lippies and ‘Eye Am Here to Stay” gel liners to its celebrated weightless tints and hydrating skincare lines. Each product is crafted with ingredients that care for skin while delivering effortless beauty, making it easier than ever for women to look and feel their best.

The SM City Grand Central opening reinforces Happy Skin’s mission: making world-class beauty accessible, empowering women with products that blend style and skincare effortlessly.

With playful packaging, easy-to-use formulas, and a commitment to cruelty-free, skin-friendly beauty, Happy Skin continues to prove that glowing, healthy skin is always in vogue.

Visit SM City Grand Central and discover the perfect balance of glow and care that your skin will thank you.

(L-R) Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau assistant director Maria Katrina Rivera; Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines Inc. VP for information publication and public affairs Denice Sy (Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.); secretary Aio Nery (CCT Chemicals); and president-elect Dr. Janina Gutierrez Tan (JRadiance Corporation)

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (CCIP) was conferred the Gawad ng Hiraya’t Sikhay: Exporters’ Choice for Outstanding Export Enabler Award during the National Exporters’ Week 2025 held at EDSA Shangri-La Manila.

Presented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated consistent and meaningful support to the development and growth of Philippine exporters. CCIP was cited for its initiatives in strengthening the global competitiveness of the country’s cosmetics and personal care sector.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Chamber were CCIP president-elect Dr. Janina Gutierrez Tan of JRadiance Corporation, CCIP secretary Aio Nery of CCT Chemicals, and CCIP vice president for information, publication, and public affairs, Denice Sy of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.

In response to the recognition, Dr. Janina Gutierrez Tan shared, “This recognition is truly a shared honor. It represents the passion and hard work of our members who continue to uplift Filipino-made beauty and personal care products. Through its capacity-building seminars on regulatory compliance, business development and intellectual property, and through CCIP’s collaboration with different government agencies, trade associations and business partners. CCIP is committed to supporting local brands and manufacturers as they innovate, grow, and shine globally”

The program featured opening remarks from DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who underscored the importance of strong partnerships between government and industry stakeholders in advancing export excellence. The event concluded with closing remarks from DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Bianca Sykimte, who highlighted the contributions of organizations like CCIP in supporting exporters nationwide.

CCIP’s recognition reflects the growing role of the Philippine cosmetics industry in boosting the country’s export performance and elevating locally produced beauty and personal care products in the international market.