A song spanning many years to complete, finally makes its moment

Following the renewed success of his solo catalog—particularly “Your Universe,” which recently broke into Spotify Philippines’ Top 10—Rico Blanco returns with “Paalam,” a hauntingly spare but exquisitely crafted ballad that captures the enduring imprint of goodbyes in all its bittersweet and hopeful glory.

Equal parts love song and meditation on loss, “Paalam” contemplates the emotional weight of parting, whether from a person, a chapter, a place, or a former self. In Blanco’s hands, goodbye becomes not only an act of release and reawakening, but also a gift that offers clarity, grounding, and ultimately, healing.

“Out of all the songs I’ve released, Paalam is the song that took me the longest to finish,” the multi-awarded music hyphenate admits. “Some songs I finish in minutes, days, or weeks, but this one has been a work in progress for many, many years.”

Originally inspired by a former bandmate’s departure in the ‘90s, the song evolved over time and took deeper shape following the recent passing of Blanco’s brother. For years, he hesitated to record it for himself and was convinced another voice might better serve its purpose. “All these years, I kept waiting for the right singer to come along,” he reveals.

But with its kundiman arrangements and intricate orchestral builds, the song taps into something powerful and primal, as if unlocking something personal from Rico without completely giving away the story.

“Production-wise, I always knew how I wanted the song to sound,” shares Rico. “I wanted it to have a timeless arrangement, or some would say a bit traditional.”

Rico Blanco’s “Paalam” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The Mangrove at Solaire Resort North stands as an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title Holder as the Largest Glass Tube Installation

Manila, Philippines, 31 July 2025:

Solaire Resort North is proud to announce that they are the record holder for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title the Largest Glass Tube Installation, The Mangrove. The event was witnessed by hundreds of employees and guests who gathered in the resort’s grand lobby to celebrate this momentous achievement.

(From L-R) Bloomberry Resorts Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Hawkins and Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle holding the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certificate for The Largest Glass Tube Installation

A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS official adjudicator was present to validate the record, confirming that The Mangrove, measuring 25.396 meters high, officially holds the world title.

Gregory Hawkins, Board Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, expressed his excitement, saying, “As we commemorate Solaire Resort North’s first anniversary, we are honored to officially hold a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence, and we take immense pride in being recognized on a global scale.”

(From L-R) Bloomberry Resorts Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Hawkins and Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle holding the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certificate for The Largest Glass Tube Installation

Designed by renowned sculptor Nikolas Weinstein, The Mangrove is a monumental glass installation that redefines architectural art. Taking over four years of meticulous planning, engineering, and craftsmanship, it stands as a breathtaking symbol of the intersection of nature, art, and innovation.

Visitors to Solaire Resort North in Quezon City can marvel at this awe-inspiring work of art, now officially recognized as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS record holder, and experience a destination that blends luxury, creativity, and world-class hospitality.

(From L-R) President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp., Gregory Hawkins,  Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Vice Chairman of Construction and Regulatory Affairs  Donato Almeda, Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle, Habitus Design Group Founder Samantha Drummond, and the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Adjudicator Emi Saito

For more details, visit sn.solaireresort.com, call us at +632 8888 8888, or email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com.

Manila, Philippines — GCash continues to bring future-forward innovations to the Philippines with the official launch of GCash Tap to Pay, a contactless payment system that lets users of the app pay merchants with just one tap of their smartphone. Now available to Android users, GCash becomes the first e-wallet in the country to enable NFC-powered payments, allowing users to log in to the GCash app, tap and pay at any Mastercard accepting POS terminal nationwide.

While Tap to Pay technology has long been the norm in major cities around the world, offering speed and convenience, this marks the first time such a seamless, NFC-based payment experience is being made widely accessible in the Philippines through a local e-wallet. With this innovation, GCash not only brings global payment standards to Filipinos but also reinforces its position as the country’s top fintech platform, continuously innovating to allow its users to level up their lives.

Tap into quicker – and safer – payments, accepted at millions of local and international stores through GCash and its partner, Mastercard.

From navigating morning grocery runs, commuting around the metro, to late-night dinner runs, errands, and schedules can already be difficult enough to manage, the last thing you need is the added burden of figuring out if you have enough cash to last you through the day.

GCash Tap to Pay is designed for ultimate convenience with quicker payments powered by Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. This allows devices in close proximity to exchange data securely. Each payment uses authentication protocols to verify user identity, while all transmitted data is encrypted, making transactions resistant to tampering and fraud. With this, GCash ensures that users enjoy a frictionless and protected payment experience every time.

Tap to Pay works at any terminal that accepts Mastercard payments, both locally and abroad. This partnership allows users to enjoy the same seamless tap-and-go experience wherever they go, even when traveling internationally, where it can be a huge hassle to be weighed down by a wallet filled with foreign coins, bills, and multiple cards.

Through this innovation, GCash eliminates the various everyday hassles by simplifying the payment process; just tap your phone, and you’re good to go. There’s no need to scan a QR code or fumble through your spare change, because all you need to pay for your morning cup of coffee or your unexpected grocery run is your smartphone – and no additional fees!

Experience payments in a tap today

Ready to experience effortless and secure payments? Activate GCash Tap to Pay and enjoy transactions in just one tap. Here’s how you can activate and use GCash with your phone:

One-Time Setup: How to Activate GCash Tap to Pay

1. Under “Settings”, open “Connections”.
2. Enable “NFC and contactless payments”.
3. Log in to your GCash app.
4. Tap “Tap To Pay”.
5. Agree to the stated terms and conditions.
6. Your “Tap To Pay” feature should now be activated!

How to use GCash Tap To Pay

1. Log in to your GCash app
2. Tap your phone on the store’s POS terminal. Done!

Experience it for yourself today and download the GCash app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and GCash are set to transform the commuting experience at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) with the launch of multiple digital-enabled payment solutions. The Philippines’ leading finance super app is bringing in a world-class technology that eliminates the need for commuters to queue and purchase physical single-journey tickets, in support of the new Philippine National Standard for Automated Fare Collection System of the DOTr.

This initiative positions the Philippines in the same category as its Southeast Asian neighbors, such as Singapore, which have implemented open-loop ticketing systems in their public transportation networks. This ticketing system reduces friction for commuters, allowing them to use mobile wallets and cards to pay for their rides.

The pilot launch was led by DOTr secretary Vince Dizon, and witnessed by BSP monetary board member Walter C. Wassmer, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, DICT secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) president & CEO Lynette Ortiz. GCash, which will power up the secure, contactless digital transactions across the network, is represented by Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon (the holding company of GCash) and G-Xchange, Inc. president and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes (the mobile wallet operator of GCash)

The newly launched Automated Fare Collection System enables faster, easier journeys for MRT 3 passengers via a tap-in and tap-out method through multiple modes of payment: QR, mobile NFC, and debit/credit cards. All they have to do is open the GCash app, tap the Commute icon to generate a QR code, head to the turnstiles, and tap-in the QR to start their journey, then tap-out the QR to end their journey to pay for their fare. Commuters using android mobile phones, in addition, can pay for their ride using the Tap-to-Pay feature of GCash, which is a contactless payment powered by NFC technology. Those who have GCash cards and/or any Visa or Mastercard cards of other banks, including Landbank prepaid cards, can also directly tap them on select turnstiles as a form of ticket for their fares.

DOTr secretary Vince Dizon, during the launch, invited commuters to use the GCash payments at MRT-3 to experience the convenience of digital payments. “Now, finally we are here. This is just the beginning. We’re working on this to equip all turnstile carousels with this option for various payment modes,” Dizon said, adding the digital payment solutions will soon be available in Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and other mass transport systems.

“One of our core mandates is to make payments safer, secure, efficient, reliable, and more accessible to all. Today, those two goals come together. We’re making it easier for people to pay for the transport that helps them move safely, securely, and efficiently,” BSP monetary board member Walter C. Wassmer said.

To help ensure the success of this initiative, DICT secretary Henry Aguda said they have been working to enhance internet connectivity at MRT-3, allowing commuters to access the GCash app whenever.

“We need to acknowledge the collaboration with MRT-3. Nu’ng nagbigay ng signal si Sec. Vince, inayos namin ang wiring. Pati sa loob ng bagon, eventually, tinatrabaho na namin ‘yan,” DICT secretary Aguda added.

(When Sec. Vince gave the signal, we fixed the wiring. Eventually, commuters will have free Wifi inside the trains.)

“Thank you very much for your partnership and for putting together a whole new government approach in so far as making sure that we have the infrastructure, the rails, and the acquired services to make sure that this works for the Filipino people,” LandBank president Lynette Ortiz said.

To mark the landmark rollout, the officials walked through the GCash-powered turnstiles at the MRT-3 One Ayala Station to test the upgrade in commuter flow firsthand.

GCash holding company Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon tests the digital payment options powered by GCash at the MRT-3 Ayala station

 

“We’re so proud and excited to finally launch this service in partnership with the government. It has been a joy working with them because they act fast and are very progressive, and we’ve experienced it firsthand,” said Martha Sazon, president & CEO of Mynt, the holding company of GCash.

“Before, people would line up as early as 4:30 am just to buy a ticket. I hope that with this project, we can help them make their commute faster and more convenient,” Sazon added.

This collaboration highlights a concerted effort of relevant government agencies to digitize public services, reduce friction, and increase accessibility — with private sector partners like GCash playing a key role in delivering practical, scalable solutions. With its vast user base and technical agility, GCash brings trusted innovation to frontline mobility through meaningful integration that benefits everyday commuters.

As the proof of concept rollout advances, DOTr and its partners will monitor commuter feedback, assess system improvements, and explore expansion across additional transit lines. The vision is clear: mobility, connectivity, and dignity should move together—leaving no Filipino behind.

Open the GCash app, tap the Commute button to learn more.

Gen-Z favorite beauty brand, Careline, just celebrated its birthday with an unforgettable launch party held recently at Baked Studios. The highlight of the night was the official debut of Careline Lip Lock Lacquer, described by the brand as a new line of high-impact lip colors made for every version of you!

More than 200 influencers, content creators, and media friends gathered for the celebration, which was packed with futuristic vibes, color, and unapologetic self-expression. Guests were among the first to try the Careline Lip Lock Lacquer, a gloss-meets-matte hybrid that delivers intense pigment, long wear, and a weightless feel.

“We created Careline Lip Lock Lacquer to be fresh, fearless, and unapologetically you,” said Denice Sy, chief sales & marketing officer of Careline. “Each of the 12 cosmic shades is named after different versions of who you are. Whether you’re a Doer, a Mastermind, an Intro, or an Extro—when your vibe changes, your lipstick should keep up.”

The lacquer sets to a matte finish but starts off with a nourishing shine, thanks to its Vitamin E–infused formula. It’s bold, buildable, and meant to last from first meeting to late-night after-party.

The Careline Lip Lock Lacquer collection includes 12 shades: Reserved (tulipwood nude), Idealist (rosewood rogue), Visionary (salmon pink), Sensor (rich maroon), Diplomats (deep sangria), Doer (fiery carmine red), Champ (vivid tele-magenta), Venturer (bright hibiscus), Extro (shadowy purple), Sponty (bold dark maroon), Intro (burnt burgundy), and Mastermind (sleek Turkish nude).

An event that embodied every shade

To bring the collection’s theme of multifaceted personalities to life, the launch party featured interactive booths and activities for guests. There was a Lip Lock Lacquer tester station, where attendees picked a shade and customized matching accessories at a chain-making booth. Guests also lined up for a claw machine challenge that offered exclusive Careline merch, including a lipstick holder and metallic mirror not available anywhere else.

The T-shirt customization station gave guests the chance to choose between crop tops, muscle tees, or crew necks, then personalize them with heat-pressed designs inspired by the new Lip Lock Lacquer shade names and traits.

Entertainment reached a high point with a high-energy Beyoncé medley by Zymbading, whose performance had the entire room cheering. Music duo Gian and Rapha of Cup of Joe also made a special appearance and were met with excitement from fans in attendance.

“This lacquer was made for lips that have something to say—and want to say it louder, bolder, and with real attitude,” added Sy.

As part of Careline’s birthday celebration, the Lip Lock Lacquer launch did not only introduce a new product—it unleashed a whole new era of bold, expressive beauty.

Careline Lip Lock Lacquer for only Php 375 is now available in all leading department stores, Watsons mall stores, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Manila, Philippines (July 31, 2025) — HUAWEI ushers in the dawn of a new era of smartphone photography excellence as it introduces groundbreaking mobile imaging technology and the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera on the new HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. 

As the latest evolution of the HUAWEI Pura Series, the newest smartphone lineup embodies the series’ signature fusion of mobile photography and aesthetic design. It continues to set a bold, new standard in pioneering photography, fashion design and unique style. 

HUAWEI Pura Series: A Legacy of Style and Substance 

The HUAWEI Pura Series, earlier known as the HUAWEI P Series, has long stood at the forefront of innovative photography technology and artistic expression. Debuted in 2012, HUAWEI developed to challenge the conventions with a focus on slim silhouettes and camera innovation. 

The series quickly evolved into a symbol of mobile photography innovation with landmark features such as the HUAWEI P9’s mono-color dual-lens technology, the HUAWEI P20’s revolutionary Super Night Mode, the HUAWEI P30’s pioneering Periscope Tele Lens, the HUAWEI P40’s unmatched 100x SuperZoom Array, the HUAWEI P50’s 10-Channel Multi-Spectrum Sensor, and the HUAWEI P60’s Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera. Each generation reaffirms the series’ position as a leading figure in the evolution of mobile photography, setting new benchmarks and propelling the future of imaging innovation. 

The HUAWEI P Series has also led industry’s design trends. It emerged as the industry’s thinnest smartphone, which utilized the industry’s first metal diamond-cut design and innovative twilight colour design, and was the first to adopt the nano-tech ceramic design as well as its unique Rococo Pearl colour. The series continues to refresh new heights of technological aesthetics.

In 2024, HUAWEI announced the renaming of the P Series to “HUAWEI Pura Series,” which marked a new era of elevated design and intelligent imaging. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series became the first lineup to launch under the new name, debuting with the elegant Forward Symbol Design, Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera powered by XMAGE, and the groundbreaking Ultra Speed Snapshot.

The HUAWEI Pura Series legacy as a pioneer of mobile photography innovation advances with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. The latest evolution of the series seamlessly fuses industry-leading mobile imaging with the sleek “Fashion Next” aesthetic that defines the HUAWEI Pura Series. It takes the experience of capturing moving images to new heights, transforming every frame into a statement of artistry and innovation.

Dual Lenses, Boundless Vision

HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra breaks new ground for mobile imaging technology with the debut of the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which comes with a built-in symmetrical shading mechanism — a first in smartphone imaging. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also fuses a 3.7x Mid-telephoto lens and a 9.4x Ultra-telephoto lens into one unit, supported by a 1/1.28-inch Ultra Large Sensor. This powers the industry’s largest telephoto light intake and results in cinematic portraits and dramatic close-ups with remarkable depth and razor-sharp precision.

Meticulously designed, the switchable dual-lens system operates with seamless precision, effortlessly transitioning between focal lengths through micron-level motor control. Housing over 140 finely tuned components, the mechanism ensures fluid, reliable movement within a remarkably compact structure. This achieves a 129% increase in light path compared to conventional telephoto modules. 

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro introduces a powerful Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera that redefines the possibilities of close-range mobile photography. With a Super Close Focus of up to 5cm, this lets users explore intricate textures and tiny subjects with extraordinary clarity. Its large F2.1 aperture dramatically enhances light intake, capturing 40% more light for vivid detail even in challenging low-light conditions. Whether it’s the sparkle of city lights in the distance or the fine textures of a subject up close, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro brings every scene to life with unmatched sharpness and depth. 

Mastering Light and Shadow in Every Pixel

HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera

HUAWEI continues to redefine mobile photography with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, introducing a suite of breakthrough technologies that push imaging to unprecedented heights. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is fitted with the industry-leading 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, equipped with a sensor that boasts a full-well electron capacity of 400,000 e⁻ per pixel, which makes it up to 7x greater than its predecessor. This exceptional photon-capturing ability allows the camera to preserve every nuance of light and shadow, freezing fast motion and extreme lighting transitions with remarkable precision.

With HUAWEI’s real-time TCG-HDR technology, which simultaneously processes three high-capacity signals across different light zones, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra achieves the industry’s highest 16EV, 15x greater than before. From harsh daylight to low-light cityscapes, the device ensures impeccable exposure, vivid detail, and rich tonal accuracy in every shot, cementing HUAWEI’s leadership in smartphone imaging innovation.

Paired with the AI Cinematic Engine, the 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera delivers breathtaking video with natural contrast and lifelike color reproduction. Even in scenes with extreme lighting disparities, overexposed highlights are recovered and deep shadows retain rich detail to deliver footage that mirrors the nuances of the human eye. This gives a true “what you see is what you get” performance. This integration of advanced optics and intelligent processing sets a new benchmark for smartphone cinematography. 

Meanwhile, HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro features a 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera, achieving the industry’s largest main camera light intake. Combined with the Ultra Chroma Camera for accurate night scene colour reproduction, it delivers ultra-clear and brilliant nightscapes even in low-light environments, precisely restoring night scene colors and atmosphere.

Iconic, Brilliant Design with Uncompromising Durability

In true HUAWEI Pura Series fashion, the the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro embody sophistication with a refined, dazzling Forward Symbol design, inspired by the timeless sunray motifs found in exquisite jewelry and luxury timepieces. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, which comes in Prestige Gold and Golden Black, has a golden ring that encircles the camera and forms the iconic forward brand emblem and serves as a bold, visual centerpiece. 

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, available in Glazed Red, Glazed White, and Glazed Black, pairs sculpted curves with elegant hues inspired by monochrome glaze, perfectly accented by the glazed texture design. Its innovative design language unifies form and meaning, seamlessly combining the glaze texture of a timeless monochrome glaze with innovative craftsmanship to capture the pure aesthetics of “Grace of Glaze.” 

Both devices combine aesthetic finesse with advanced durability. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is reinforced with the 2nd Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass for up to 16x greater scratch resistance and up to 25x enhanced drop resistance. On the other hand, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is made with 2nd Gen KUNLUN Glass, which offers up to 20x improved drop resistance. With IP69 and IP68 dust and water resistance, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro blend elegant design and tough resilience to perfection.

Capture the Future with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series

Prepare to experience mobile imaging like never before with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, slated to be available in the Philippines this August. Be among the first to get a closer look at HUAWEI’s latest mobile masterpiece at the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series Exclusive Preview, happening at 3:00 PM every Saturdays and Sundays from July 26 to August 10 in 40 select HUAWEI Experience Stores. See the participating HUAWEI Experience Stores through this LINK. Register to join the Exclusive Preview HERE.

Secure your HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra or HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro early. Pay a PHP 500 deposit from July 10 to August 6 and get PHP 3,000 off when you pay your remaining balance from August 7 to August 28.

Collect early bird vouchers worth PHP 2,000 for the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra starting July 31 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, and beginning August 7 on the HUAWEI Online Store.

Early bird vouchers for the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro will also be available on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop starting July 31, and on the HUAWEI Online Store beginning August 7.

Stay tuned for the official launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series.

To learn more about the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

At the final leg of the EastWest Dream Run 2025, more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Filinvest City in Alabang to chase fitness goals and personal records. But one of the most unforgettable stories was about heart. And it came on four wheels.



Meet Liit, a French Bulldog with a huge spirit. Her name literally means “small,” but there’s nothing little about the courage she brought to the sold-out 1K Dog Category at the Dream Run’s Manila leg. Rolling beside her proud fur parent who is an EastWestbanker, Liit showed the world that dreams come in all sizes.



Liit is a PWD or Pet With Disability who lost the use of her hind legs and now moves with the help of a custom wheelchair. But what she may lack in mobility, she makes up for in joy, energy, and inspiration. With her wheels spinning and tail wagging, Liit surely lit up the route.



“Liit may be small, but her dreams are anything but,” said her owner, who has four other Frenchies. “Liit holds a special place in my heart. Just because she’s a PWD dog doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy the things other dogs do, like running freely and being part of something fun. Joining the EastWest Dream Run is our way of celebrating her fighting spirit and reminding everyone that you’re never too small or too different to chase after what you want.”



Cheered on by fellow runners and spectators alike, Liit became an instant crowd favorite, embodying the spirit of the EastWest Dream Run in its purest form. Her presence on the track reminded everyone that this event goes beyond medals and milestones. It’s about showing up, pushing forward, and doing it with love.



Held in celebration of EastWest’s 30th anniversary and the Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the Dream Run brought together people and pets from across the country to celebrate health, hope, and connection. With race categories for all ages and experience levels, including kids and dogs, the event became a vibrant display of inclusivity and shared spirit.



From the 30KM Dream Challenge to the 1K Dog Run, each category brought its own stories of strength. But few left as lasting a mark as Liit’s. Liit may not have reached the finish line, but on her tiny wheels, she reminded everyone that courage isn’t about crossing first—or at all. It’s about showing up, moving forward, and daring to try. That day, she rolled with something greater than strength. She owned the moment.

NILA, Philippines – The country’s biggest youth gathering returns as the Global Youth Summit 2025 is set to inspire and energize thousands of young leaders and changemakers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this August 3, headlined by none other than multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.



With a legacy built on truth, integrity, and connection with the Filipino public, Soho will bring her unique voice and journalistic insight to the GYS stage, in a rare opportunity for youth to hear from one of the most trusted names in Philippine media.



“For over four decades, I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of our nation—its struggles, triumphs, and everyday heroes. At the Global Youth Summit, I hope to pass the torch to the next generation—so they may tell their own stories with courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to truth.” said Soho.

Joining her is fan-favorite celebrity and leading GMA actress Barbie Forteza, who will also take the stage to connect, share, and interact with fellow youth delegates. Known for playing feisty female characters in television series such as Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw, Barbie’s performances embody the spirit of powerful, moving, and inclusive storytelling about youth empowerment.

“As someone who grew up in front of Filipino audiences, it’s an honor to share my journey with young people—especially at an event like this, where we celebrate ambition, passion, and purpose,” Forteza shared. Forteza’s upcoming film, “P77,” which stands for Penthouse 77, is set to mark another major cinematic triumph in the Philippines, a prime example for the youth to follow when chasing dreams and pursuing passions.



Also part of this year’s dynamic speaker lineup is Ms. Jica Sy, Sustainability Champion of the SM Group, who will tackle how young people can lead the way in building greener, more inclusive cities. The summit will also feature Tony Devine, Vice President for Education at the Global Peace Foundation, bringing international perspectives on youth leadership and peacebuilding.

Beyond the inspirational talks, the event promises OPM-infused energy and entertainment as trending Pinoy band Over October takes the stage to cap off the day with live music and good vibes.



Hosted by Global Peace Foundation and SM Cares, the Global Youth Summit reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation through education, engagement, and social good. This year’s summit invites young leaders and changemakers to a dynamic and inspiring platform—where collaboration and action take center stage, and a series of exciting, thoughtfully curated surprises await to elevate the experience and leave a lasting impact.



Step into your power. Stand for your generation. And spark change that starts with you. Register now for free: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/GYS2025



Step 1: Download the SM Malls Online app using the link above.

Step 2: Once installed, open the link again to access the event registration page.

SM Foundation Inc., through SM City Valenzuela focuses its outreach on the hardest-hit areas in Valenzuela City. Present during SM Foundation Inc.’s Operations Tulong Express is Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian.

Amid the heavy toll left by Typhoon Crising, Dante, Emong, and the relentless southwest monsoon, SM malls in Valenzuela, Sangandaan, and Grand Central have intensified their relief efforts, reaching thousands of residents across flood-stricken communities in Valenzuela and Caloocan.

Under SM Foundation Inc.’s Operations Tulong Express, SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Grand Central, together with SM Markets and in close coordination with local government units, distributed over 1,000 Kalinga Packs containing food and essential items to affected families.

SM City Valenzuela partners with barangay officials and local government unit for SM Foundation Inc.’s Operations Tulong Express.

SM City Valenzuela led one of the large-scale relief operations, reaching 500 families across flood-prone barangays, including Rincon, Pasolo, Caloong, Mabolo, Bisig, Tagalag, Bakangkas, Wawang Pulo, Polo, Palasan, and Arkong Bato. Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian was present during the relief operations, reinforcing a strong public-private partnership that enabled swift distribution of Kalinga packs.

A heartwarming moment as an all-smiles senior citizen receives a much-needed relief pack from SM Center Sangandaan.

In the heavily inundated districts of Caloocan, SM Center Sangandaan took a more personalized approach by conducting door-to-door relief distribution in Barangays 2 and 4, areas where many elderly residents and vulnerable households were unable to leave their homes. A total of 300 packs were distributed in close coordination with local rescue teams and barangay officials.

Volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan brave narrow, flooded alleys to distribute aid directly to households in Barangays 2 and 4.

Meanwhile, SM City Grand Central extended its outreach to Barangay 88 in Caloocan, providing 200 Kalinga Packs to affected families in collaboration with local leaders and local emergency units.

Families from Barangay 88 welcome much-needed aid from SM City Grand Central and SM Foundation.

SM City Grand Central focuses its relief efforts on flood-stricken areas in Caloocan City.

Launched as a flagship disaster response initiative of SM Foundation, Operations Tulong Express is carried out in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets to provide immediate aid to communities during natural calamities and emergencies.

SM Beauty offers biggest lip deals nationwide with exciting experiences in SM Cebu

This Lipstick Month, SM Beauty is bringing color, creativity, and celebration to beauty lovers across the country with its Color Play 2025 Campaign, headlined by the launch of the SM Beauty Playhouse in SM Cebu. Simultaneously, exciting lipstick promos will roll out nationwide across all SM Beauty and Watsons branches.

The SM Beauty Playhouse is a vibrant activation zone designed to let guests swatch, shop, and play through interactive installations and booth experiences. Visitors can wander through themed zones like the Playhouse Lab and Playhouse Art Studio, explore the latest makeup releases, and enjoy exclusive in-store perks. Guests who purchase a minimum of ₱1,000 worth of products may join various activities and play for rewards, including a free compact mirror, live painting portraits, and personalized lipstick engraving.

The Playhouse will also host a PR Event featuring media and Cebu’s top local makeup artists and influencers, who will be the first to experience the immersive setup and join brand-led activities.

As part of the Color Play celebration, lipstick lovers can enjoy special promos until July 31, with offers from the country’s top beauty brands such as Ever Bilena, Careline, and Spotlight Cosmetics.

For Ever Bilena, 50% off all lip makeup, including its latest viral releases! These include the EB No Budge Lip Liner, EB Glazed Lip Boosters, Moisture Boost Lipsticks, Tinted Lip Balms, Tinted Lip Oils, OG Matte Lipsticks, Lip & Cheek Stains, and Pillow Pop Multipots.

There are exclusive merchandise and limited edition offers exclusively for fans of Ever Bilena’s brand ambassador Pond Naravit too, available only at SM Beauty Playhouse in SM Cebu.

While for Careline, 50% off for bestsellers and new lip launches, including the Lip Lock Lacquer, Lip Drip Lip Oils, Matte Edge Lipsticks, Tinted Lip Balms, and Powder Matte Lip Tints.

Lastly, Spotlight Cosmetics offers Buy One, Take One on all lip makeup products, including the Melted Dew Drop Lipsticks, Velvet Matte Lipsticks, Dewy Lip Balms, Hydra Tints, and Multitasking Lip Creams!

A nationwide lipstick sale will also be available in-store via SM Beauty and Watsons, offering up to 50% off on select lip products until July 29.

With exclusive experiences, special-edition merch, and unbeatable deals, SM Beauty’s Lipstick Month celebration invites everyone to express themselves through color only at the SM Beauty Playhouse in SM Cebu.