Holiday Giving Through SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles

The happiest kids of San Mateo Day Care Center at their ChriSMiles activity with employee volunteers.

SM Supermalls brought the spirit of the holidays to life as shoppers and employees came together to share joy with children through SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles, transforming holiday generosity into meaningful community impact through SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo.

The pupils under the care of Marikina City Social Welfare and Development happily show off their own SM Besties of Joy

For SM City Masinag, SM Besties of Joy benefited children of Barangay Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal, while SM employee volunteers celebrated the season with children from Precious Heritage Children’s Home for ChriSMiles. For SM City Marikina, SM Besties of Joy reached children under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development of Marikina City. Meanwhile, employee volunteers spent a meaningful day with children from Marikina Kids Town, sharing gifts, snacks, and holiday activities. For SM City San Mateo, both SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles were dedicated to children from the San Mateo Day Care Center, where SM employees led a cheerful program filled with gift-giving, games, and shared moments of joy at SM City San Mateo’s activity area.

Employee Volunteers of SM City Marikina prepares the SM Besties of Joy before distribution during ChriSMiles activity at Marikina Kids Town

An employee volunteer of SM City San Mateo distributes SM Besties of Joy to the kids of San Mateo Day Care Center

These initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ commitment to uplifting communities and nurturing a culture of compassion and volunteerism. From the generosity of shoppers to the dedication of employee volunteers, each contribution helped make the holidays brighter for children across East Metro.

SM Supermalls in the East Metro extends its heartfelt gratitude to all shoppers who shared a little extra and donated through SM Besties of Joy, helping spread smiles, hope, and joy this Christmas season.

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Galleria Duemila marks 50 Years with a landmark Masters Collection

AVANTI, SEMPRE AVANTI / FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD, celebrating 50 Years of Philippine Modern Art from 1975 to 2025, opens on January 13, 2026 and runs until March 14, 2026 at Galleria Duemila, located at 210 Loring Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Founded on December 5, 1975, Galleria Duemila commemorates its golden anniversary as the longest-running art gallery in the Philippines. The milestone exhibition brings together works by 37 distinguished artists whose creative journeys are closely intertwined with the gallery’s founder, Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz. Many of these relationships grew beyond professional collaboration into lifelong friendships, formed through a shared commitment to shaping and advancing the Philippine contemporary art scene. Alongside hundreds of artists supported over the decades, these masters helped define the gallery’s enduring legacy.

The two-month celebration presents a compelling selection of paintings, mixed media works, works on paper, and sculptures, many of which have rarely or never been seen by younger generations of artists, collectors, students, educators, and art enthusiasts. Created between 1957 and 2018, the featured pieces were intuitively selected from Galleria Duemila’s extensive archive and collection. Together, they reflect the gallery’s founding philosophy of championing art not for fame or market value, but for its ability to surprise, challenge, bewilder, and spark curiosity. The exhibition invites viewers into an art world shaped by Ancellotti-Diaz’s unwavering passion for Philippine modern art and her instinctive eye for works that resonate deeply and endure.

In conjunction with the exhibition, public walk-throughs and panel discussions with writers and artists will be held from January to March 2026, offering audiences deeper insight into the works on view and the evolving narrative of Philippine modern art.

The exhibition features works by Pacita Abad, Leopoldo “Lee” Aguinaldo II, Ray Albano, Augusto “Gus” Albor, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Nunelucio Alvarado, Agnes Arellano, May Baddour, Santiago Bose, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Eduardo Castrillo, Roberto “Bobby” Chabet, Charlie Co, Ramon Manuel “R.M.” de Leon, Duddley Diaz, Isabel Diaz, Lamberto Hechanova, Jose Joya, Lao Lianben, Raul Lebajo, Cesar Legaspi, Julie Lluch, Arturo Luz, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Justin Nuyda, Hernando Ruiz “H.R.” Ocampo, Manuel Ocampo, Romulo Olazo, Onib Olmedo, Imelda “Impy” Pilapil, Juvenal Sanso, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Solomon Saprid, Nestor Vinluan, Betsy Westendorp, Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr., and Phyllis Zaballero.

Since its establishment in 1975, Galleria Duemila has remained dedicated to the promotion of Philippine modern and contemporary art. The gallery holds an extensive collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures, and offers services such as conservation and restoration of artworks ranging from the 16th century to contemporary pieces, as well as consultation, commissions, and installations. Founded by Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz, Italian by heart and Filipino by art, the gallery was envisioned as a platform to introduce Filipino artists locally and within the ASEAN region. It is also known for handling rare works by early 20th-century modern masters including Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zóbel, H.R. Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, and Cesar Legaspi, while continuing to showcase both local and international artists of the current generation.

For inquiries and updates, Galleria Duemila may be reached via email at gduemila@gmail.com and through its official Facebook and Instagram pages.

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SM, LRTA ink MOA for SM City Masinag-LRT-2 Antipolo Station Interconnection Access Bridge

Light Railway Transit Authority and SM Prime Holdings seals the deal of a Memorandum of Agreement for the Interconnection Access Bridge. (Left to right) Engr. Jomar R. Lua, OIC Director of Department of Transport Rail Standards and Enforcement Office, Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera, Light Railway Transit Authority, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for SM Supermalls Mall Operations, and Mr. Ronald Allan Brosas, Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) officially sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the SM City Masinag–LRT-2 Antipolo Station Interconnection Access Bridge in a signing ceremony recently held at the concourse of the LRT-2 Antipolo Station.

SM and LRTA Executives sign the memorandum of agreement, marking an exciting addition to both establishments to serve communities in Antipolo City and nearby areas.

The interconnecting bridge is designed to provide a safe, direct, and weather-protected pedestrian link between LRT-2 Antipolo Station and the mall—addressing a long-standing public need since the station opened and enhancing everyday convenience for commuters and shoppers in Antipolo and the wider East Metro area.

“The interconnection access bridge enhances safety, accessibility, and efficiency for our passengers,” said Atty. Hernando Cabrera, Administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority. He underscored the value of the partnership between LRTA and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., noting that the project exemplifies how public–private collaboration can deliver practical solutions that improve passenger experience and urban mobility.

“This bridge is designed to serve the Filipino commuter—those who rely on public transport or park-and-ride options—providing safe and convenient access to daily necessities and services,” said Engr. Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls. He added that the interconnection promotes inclusive mobility, walkability, benefiting commuters, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), families, and workers, while helping reduce pedestrian spillover, ease traffic along Marcos Highway, and lower carbon emissions in support of SM’s sustainability and urban mobility goals.

Also present during the MOA Signing Ceremony was Engr. Jomar Lua, OIC Director IV of the Rail Standards and Enforcement Office of DOTR; Ms. Evelyn P. Janeo, OIC Business Development and Public Relations of LRTA; Atty. Ronald Redentor De Veyra is the head executive assistant of the administrator of LRTA. Joining them are SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Mr. Joaquin San Agustin; Mr. Egbert Lim, Senior AVP for Mall Project Management; and Mr. Ronald Allan Brosas, Senior AVP for Operations of SM Supermalls, further reinforcing the strong collaboration between government and the private sector in advancing commuter-focused infrastructure.

SM Executives and LRTA Officials pose for commemorative photo at the soon-to-open interconnection access bridge at SM City Masinag.

The construction of the interconnecting bridge is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion targeted six months later. As part of the New Era of SM Supermalls, which envisions seamlessly connected and intuitively designed spaces for all, the access bridge is expected to improve pedestrian flow, enhance sustainable urban mobility, and encourage public transport use along the Marcos Highway corridor—elevating the mall experience for shoppers and commuters alike while delivering long-term benefits to the community.

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A Front-Row Seat to Broadway, Games, and Holiday Joy

Being invited to such an intimate concert already felt special, but getting a front-row seat made the night even more memorable. U Hotel’s El Mundo Café, usually known as a lively and busy restaurant, transformed into a relaxed and cozy performance space. It became a chill setting where music and storytelling took center stage, allowing everyone to truly appreciate the art up close.

The night opened beautifully with guest front act Hannah Bulos singing “Give Love on Christmas Day” popularized by The Jackson 5 in 1970. Her sweet, childlike voice instantly set the mood and gently pulled the audience in. Before long, people were singing along, turning the opening into a shared and heartfelt Christmas moment.

 

What made the concert even more enjoyable was how interactive it was. Games were woven into the program, giving Anya and Cara the chance to connect directly with the audience. Guessing which song they would perform next added excitement and laughter, making the night feel personal and playful rather than formal.

 

Cara and Anya Gutierrez

Despite some technical difficulties during the first act, the performances themselves stood strong. Anya opened Act 1 with “Popular” from Wicked, delivering a lively and confident performance that highlighted her natural charm and comedic timing. Cara followed with “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia, where her clear vocals and emotional delivery captured the longing and hope of the song. She continued to impress with the 1939 hit from the movie, Wizard of Oz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” offering a gentle and heartfelt version that felt intimate and sincere. Anya then surprised the audience with a more serious turn in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar, proving her ability to shift from playful to deeply emotional with ease.

The technical issues from the first act were fully redeemed in the second act, where the sound system was restored and the performances truly shined. Cara delivered a touching rendition of “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” the only Tagalog song of the night, which resonated deeply and brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the room. The sisters then came together for “For Good” from Wicked, a duet that highlighted their strong harmony and emotional connection. Their chemistry continued in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas,” where they balanced softness, power, and joy, ending the concert on a festive and uplifting note.

Throughout the night, Anya and Cara clearly showed both vocal and character versatility. Anya’s cheerfulness and expressive energy were perfect for playful and upbeat songs, while Cara’s composed and serious presence brought depth to ballads. Together, they blended these strengths seamlessly, proving they can shine both individually and as a duo.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was a special performance by Cara with director Jojo Urquico. Their duet of “Sun and Moon” from Miss Saigon delighted the audience and felt like a meaningful tribute to musical theater, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, the concert was heartfelt, fun, and inspiring. It showcased not just strong vocals, but growth, versatility, and genuine passion. I left the venue excited and hopeful for what lies ahead for Anya and Cara, knowing that this night was only a glimpse of greater things to come.

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Turn your holiday spending into big wins with GCash when you Shake It, Win It

The holidays are the ultimate season of giving, but for many of us, it also means juggling a long list of expenses that come from preparing for Noche Buena, buying gifts, and traveling with friends or family. With Christmas just around the corner, GCash is here to sprinkle a little extra fun on your everyday spending with its Shake It, Win It raffle.

This Merry GCash season, every time you use GCash to pay, you get chances to win prizes every single day! Whether you’re checking out your cart online, wandering through Christmas bazaars, or catching up over dinner, paying with GCash automatically earns you entries to the raffle giveaway. It’s an easy way to get rewarded for all your little moments of heartfelt generosity, and paying will always be fast and seamless with GCash.

From November 10, 2025, to December 26, 2025, users have the chance to win GCash credits ranging from PHP 5,000 all the way up to PHP 1 million with every shake, with more surprise credits popping up when just opening the app. And it doesn’t stop there! Whenever you pay with GCash Tap to Pay, you unlock special entries toward the season’s ultimate reward — a brand-new hybrid BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic. It’s the biggest giveaway of the season yet, turning everyday payments into extraordinary wins.

Everyone’s invited to Shake It, Win It, and here’s how:

 

 

1. Open your GCash app and click on your Merry GCash banner at the top.
2. Click Shake It, Win It.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions to proceed – this will only pop up once.
4. Shake your device! The more entries you have, the more chances to shake.
5. Check your prize. After shaking your device, you’ll see what prize you have won for the day.

Make this holiday season feel a little lighter – and a lot more rewarding – with GCash.

Download the app today and turn every payment, purchase, and shake into a chance to win big! Follow @gcashofficial to stay updated on all things Merry GCash.

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“A Weekend of Everything That Flies" All Set on February 13-15 at New Clark City

Get ready for a thrilling weekend at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, packed with hot air balloon rides, paragliding adventures, drone races, paper plane battles, high-flying demos, heart-pounding car drifting, and a buzzing fly market—all in one epic celebration of the skies

(L-R): BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, BCDA Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, Provincial Government of Tarlac Investment Promotions Officer Frances Canlas, PIHABF Founder and Organizer Capt. Joy Roa, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth R. Peralta

Mark your calendars as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes flight on February 13 to 15, 2026, bringing three days of color, energy, and sky-high excitement to New Clark City in Tarlac. This upcoming edition is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring 22 new special-shaped balloons, the highest number in its history, with pilots flying in from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil. Each day of the 2026 edition will close with two crowd favorites: the glowing hot air balloons and a massive 500-drone show lighting up the New Clark City skyline with colorful formations and messages.

Guests can enjoy world-class action with Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) sanctioned paragliding and First-Person View (FPV) drone racing competitions, featuring participants from at least six countries, including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, and the Philippines. More competitors are registering following the announcement that the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) will hold its first 2026 board meeting in New Clark City during the balloon fiesta.

Adding even more energy to the experience is the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, quickly gaining global popularity, with a demo court for visitors to try it out and hopes for the Fiesta to host a world championship in the future. School teams from Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University (FEATI University) and Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics (PATTS College of Aeronautics) are forming their respective teams to compete, with the winning team set to represent the Philippines in international events and competitions around the world. A Paper Plane competition, open to all ages, invites everyone to join in the fun, while throughout the day, RC airplane demos, aerial dogfights, and kite shows fill the skies with excitement.

Drone Soccer

Kyxz Mendiola

Night Glow

Flying Circus

Hot Air Balloons above New Clark City

Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also demonstrate his homebuilt manned flying drone, showing himself flying inside it, a glimpse at the future of personal air travel, as it takes flight across the grounds for all to see. Ultralights will do their usual formation flying around the fiesta grounds. On the ground, guests can enjoy car drifting, browse through a lively Fly Market, and savor Pampanga’s well-loved dishes along with other popular food choices.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepping in as a strong supporter, these efforts are expected to boost Aero Sports and draw more non-traditional tourism into the country. The PSC has begun supporting our paragliding and paramotor athletes for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and these same paramotors will be showcasing their skills during the event.

“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” shared Capt. Joy Roa, expressing his excitement for the 26th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.”

Ms. Frances Canlas, Investment Promotions Officer of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, expressed the local government unit’s full support to the Balloon Fiesta. She says, “This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City. This exciting event is expected to catalyze transformative economic growth, drawing thousands of visitors into the province and driving demand across the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors, while strengthening resilient logistics and supply chains province-wide.”

Engr. Mark P. Torres, Senior Vice President and Officer-In-Charge of the Bases Conversion and Development Bases and Development Authority (BCDA), noted, "As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive—one that brings benefit to our communities and highlights Clark's readiness as a premier tourism and investment destination."

For those interested in a career in aviation, Capt. Joy explained that the Fiesta will feature passionate and successful professionals sharing their journeys. “We want to inspire the next generation of aviators by showing them how we started and what it takes to succeed in this industry,” he said. Attendees will learn about the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of working in a fast-paced field that offers strong career potential and high ROI. “Aviation offers excellent opportunities abroad, competitive salaries, and a chance to see the world while doing something you love,” Capt. Joy added. The lineup includes air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, safety inspectors, civilian and military pilots, and many more ready to share their stories.

With every flight and stunt over the years, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has captivated audiences with unforgettable moments, from the “100 Years of Flying” tribute and aircraft rallies from across Asia to breathtaking performances by the Breitling Jet Team, the Wing Walkers, and the daring aerobatics by Mark Jefferies of the Global Stars team. The Fiesta has also thrilled spectators with annual skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps, hosted Ms. Aviation competitions, and featured ABS-CBN concerts alongside the iconic hot air balloon night glow. Cultural exchanges with countries like Turkey, complete with traditional dancers, porcelain artists, and carpet weavers, have enriched the experience, while renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor contributed designs for posters and souvenir programs. Indoor aviation career seminars have long inspired students to pursue careers in the industry, providing insights from experienced pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, safety inspectors, and mechanics. These diverse experiences, from high-flying stunts and concerts to educational programs and cultural showcases, have become the very soul and heart of “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

Discover more at www.philballoonfest.net and stay connected by following Philippine International Hot Air Balloon (@philballoonfest) on Facebook,  Instagram, and Tiktok.

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LG showcases future of mobility with AI-Powered In-Vehicle Solutions at CES 2026

CES Best of Innovation Award Winner Redefines In-Vehicle Experience Powered by Affectionate Intelligence

LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an immersive experiential space at CES 2026 that brings the company’s future mobility vision to life through Affectionate Intelligence. The exhibit invites visitors to experience firsthand how AI can reshape the driver, front-passenger and rear seating areas, reimagining the whole cabin as a more intuitive and human-centered space designed to enhance every ride.

This new series of solutions has earned the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award in In-Vehicle Entertainment, marking the first time the LG Vehicle Solution Company has won the category’s top honor. The system brings together cutting-edge display technology, advanced in-cabin sensing, and on-device AI under a comprehensive AI-Defined Vehicle architecture.

The showcase features three core experiential solutions: the Mobility Display Solution, which transforms the windshield into an intelligent interface; the Automotive Vision Solution, which enhances safety and delivers context-aware information to the driver and front passenger via Vision AI; and the In-Vehicle Entertainment Solution, which provides personalized content recommendations, memory-based media and real-time translation.

In the Mobility Display Solution zone, visitors can experience how AI intuitively presents essential information through a transparent OLED-equipped windshield. For example, when approaching a traffic signal, AI displays the remaining wait time above the signal, selectively providing only the most relevant information at that moment. In autonomous driving mode, the system analyzes the surrounding environment and generates corresponding visual scenes: cherry blossom petals flutter across the display on tree-lined roads, while a monotonous tunnel transforms into an enchanting forest, creating an immersive, near-virtual-reality experience.

The Automotive Vision Solution is an advanced in-cabin sensing solution powered by LG’s Automotive Vision System, designed to enhance safety while enabling context-aware, empathetic interactions and personalized content delivery. The solution tracks driver movement, gaze direction, attention, clothing color and gestures in real time, allowing the system to understand and respond to the occupant’s state. Through eye tracking and gesture control, the system expands the range of interest-based information, while anamorphic display graphics heighten immersion and realism. For instance, in autonomous driving mode, if a front-seat passenger looks at an advertisement displayed on a building, gaze recognition can trigger related information on the passenger display, providing seamless product discovery and purchasing.

The In-Vehicle Entertainment Solution delivers personalized entertainment and interactive communication. By recognizing scenery outside the vehicle, AI can display photos linked to past memories associated with that location on the window display. Passengers can share these moments in real time through video calls with family members. During long journeys, AI recommends content tailored to individual tastes, providing entertainment that turns miles into moments. In another scenario, if a restaurant staff member communicates using sign language, AI interprets the gestures into on-screen text to support smooth, two-way communication.

“We are bringing our future mobility vision to life by embedding AI across our solutions – many of which, including in-cabin sensing, are already in production with global OEMs,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “By accelerating these innovations to market, we aim to pioneer the era of AI-driven vehicles in the years ahead.”


LG AI-Powered In-Vehicle Solutions will be on display at the company’s booth during CES 2026 from January 6-9 (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

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