Starbucks Philippines invites everyone to be a Community Champion this Global Month of Good

As part of its annual Global Month of Good celebration, Starbucks Philippines is reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves – while inviting more Filipinos to take part in their own way.

This year, Starbucks highlights a simple but powerful idea: anyone can be a Community Champion through small, everyday actions that create meaningful change for the environment, the community, and other people.

“Our local initiatives are grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts with strong community connections,” said Jamie Silva, senior manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience and Social Impact, Starbucks Philippines. “From education to disaster response initiatives and partner volunteerism, 2025 reflects how collective action can create lasting impact.”

In 2026, Starbucks Philippines is expanding its community impact initiatives through strengthened partnerships, improved access to essentials, and more opportunities for both partners (employees) and customers to take part in meaningful action.

Supporting Communities Where They Need the Most

Through its partnership with Planet Water Foundation and The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks

Philippines provides clean water access and hygiene education to an estimated 42,400 people in various

regions around the country. This April, a ninth AquaTower will be installed in Camarines Sur, extending

access to safe drinking to around 7,000 more individuals.

Starbucks Philippines also continues its longstanding partnership with HOPE to support education. Each

year, Starbucks partners (employees) come together to help build safe and inspiring learning spaces for

underserved communities. This year marks the completion of a sixth public school classroom in

Sarangani in April, helping provide safe and conducive learning spaces for students in the community.

Alongside its community initiatives, Starbucks Philippines is also strengthening its sustainability efforts

within its store operations. Starbucks Philippines has partnered with MPower to supply electricity to

around 60 Metro Manila stores under the Retail Aggregation Program. This partnership is expected to

result in improved operational efficiency while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Continuing Efforts Powered by Volunteerism

Starbucks’ commitment to being a Community Champion is also reflected through volunteerism and

everyday participation.

Starbucks Community Stores in Abad Santos, Tondo, and Maysilo Circle continue to support education

programs in partnership with AHA! Learning Center, Young Focus Foundation, and Mano Amiga

Philippines. To date, more than 1,500 learners have benefited from after-school sessions, literacy

development activities, and leadership-building programs that help them gain confidence and stay

engaged in school.

Addressing food insecurity remains a key focus. Through its FoodShare program, Starbucks has

redirected nearly 3 million rescuable food items from close to 300 stores nationwide. In partnership with

The Philippine Food Bank Foundation and Grab Philippines, surplus food is distributed to various

communities.

Beyond these organized programs, Starbucks encourages customers to take part in simple, everyday

actions throughout Global Month of Good. In their own small way, store visits can become part of the

impact. Customers can use for-here ware or bring their own tumblers for their coffee orders and enjoy a

PHP 10 discount.

Simple actions, when done together, can create a meaningful impact over time. This Global Month of

Good, everyone is invited to be a Community Champion. To learn more about the Global Month of Good,

visit starbucks.ph/social-impact.

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The MSO Centennial Season Concert II – From Mozart to Mahler

Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance; co-presented by EastWest Bank in partnership with the Austrian Embassy and University of Santo Tomas

Led by Venezuelan conductor Joshua Dos Santos, the Manila Symphony Orchestra continues its Centennial Season with a program that moves from the refined discipline of Classical style to the emotional breadth of the late Romantic symphony.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

The evening opens with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat, K. 364 for violin and viola, a work celebrated for its technical precision. The piece features rising Filipino artists Emanuel John Villarin (violin) and Christian Wrona (viola), whose musical dialogue reflects the expressive restraints of Mozart’s music.

The program culminates in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, a work that demands expressive depth. Expansive in scale and rich in emotional contrasts, Mahler’s symphony transforms simple melodies, challenging both the orchestra and the audience with its intensity. The MSO will be joined by selected members of the UST Symphony Orchestra in a side-by-side performance to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the UST Conservatory of Music, as many past and current MSO musicians have been connected to UST as students and faculty members.

From Classical to Romantic, From Mozart to Mahler highlights the versatility of the Manila Symphony Orchestra and its scholars as they continue their journey through the 100th season.

Joshua Dos Santos, guest conductor

Joshua is an internationally celebrated conductor whose career has spanned Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Trained in Venezuela's legendary El Sistema, he began music at age seven and made his conducting debut at sixteen under the mentorship of Maestro José Antonio Abreu. Appointed associate conductor of the Simon Bolivar Chamber Orchestra in 2023 he has earned major acclaim from around the world.

Emanuel John Villarin, violin

EJ is an award-winning violinist and Hanns Eisler scholar. An student at the Universität für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin and first prize winner of the New York Young Performers Prize (2021) and NAMCYA (2020), he is an acclaimed Filipino violinist and MSJO-Standard Insurance scholar, performing on a master-crafted Gencer Cerit Eskisehir violin.

Christian Wrona, viola

Christian is a Filipino-Canadian violist and Hanns Eisler scholar. Currently studying at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, Christian is an Asian Youth Orchestra alumnus, mentored by renowned artists including Tabea Zimmermann and Kim Kashkashian.

UST Symphony Orchestra

The University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra (USTSO), established in 1927, is a distinguished ensemble within the UST Conservatory of Music. It holds the unique distinction of being the only all-student symphony orchestra in the Philippines. Under the baton of Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, the orchestra has showcased a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.

Tickets available at Ticketworld:

• P5000 VIP
• P3500 Orchestra Center
• P3000 Orchestra Sides
• P2000 Balcony Center
• P1500 Balcony Sides

Special Offer - 20% Early Bird (valid until May 1, 11:59PM)
Code: MOZARTMAHLEREB20

Free VIP tickets for MSO All Access Subscribers

• 50% Students
• 20% Seniors and PWDs

Please DM your valid IDs to get your discount codes

Save up to 50% off with the MSO All-Access Season Pass!

Check out MSO's social media accounts to sign up.

Facebook - Manila Symphony Orchestra
Instagram - @manila.symphony
TikTok - @manilasymphonyorchestra
YouTube - Manila Symphony Orchestra
Website – www.manilasymphony.com

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Bodies That Speak: Faith, War, and Survival in PETA's Control+Shift

Philippine Educational Theater Association once again proves its strength in socially grounded storytelling with the Set B of Control+Shift —a moving collection of performances that reflect the realities of struggle, resistance, and survival. Through two distinct yet thematically connected pieces, the production delivers narratives that are both intimate and deeply political.

“At Nagkatawang-Tao ang Verbo” feels especially resonant, coming fresh from the season of Lent. The piece draws a powerful parallel between the Passion of Christ and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens from Navotas and Malabon. By weaving the structure and tone of the Pasyon into its storytelling, it elevates the suffering of marginalized communities into something both sacred and urgent. Much like how Christ stood against the Pharisees, the play reflects the quiet yet persistent resistance of the powerless against those in authority. It is a painful mirror of reality—one that does not attempt to soften its message, but instead confronts the audience with the truth of systemic struggle.

Tanghalang Bagong Sibol

Tanghalang Bagong Sibol

Meanwhile, “Baga ng Gumuguhong Langit” shifts the focus to the lives of children caught in the crossfire of war. Despite its relatively minimal script, the piece is rich in meaning. The repeated words “tago” (hide) and “takbo” (run) take on dual significance—at once evoking the innocence of children’s games and the urgency of survival in a war-torn environment. This contrast heightens the emotional weight of the narrative, showing how conflict distorts even the most basic aspects of childhood.

Rona Manio, Rei Millete, Wade Dizon and Ada Tayao

Rei Millete

What ties both pieces together is their reliance on physical storytelling. Even without heavy dialogue, the performances communicate clearly through movement, expression, and music. The actors bring depth and texture to their roles, proving that sometimes, the body speaks louder than words. The choreography and sound design work hand in hand to create an immersive experience that allows the audience to feel, rather than just understand, the stories being told.

This connection is further deepened through the recurring imagery reminiscent of the Pietà—a mother cradling a lifeless body. In both productions, this visual language becomes instantly familiar and emotionally charged for a largely Filipino, Catholic audience. It transforms individual loss into a collective experience of grief, echoing not only religious suffering but also the everyday tragedies faced by marginalized communities. The Pietà image bridges the sacred and the secular, reinforcing how these stories of pain and sacrifice are not distant—they are happening here and now. 

Tanghalang Bagong Sibol - At Nagkatawang-Tao ang Verbo

Ada Tayao and Wade Dizon - Baga ng Gumuguhong Langit

Ultimately, Control+Shift (Set B) is not just a theatrical presentation—it is a call to witness. It reminds us that behind every headline are real people, real suffering, and real acts of courage. In stripping down its narratives to their emotional core, the production leaves a lasting imprint: that even in the face of oppression and destruction, the human spirit continues to resist, endure, and hope.

PETA's Control+Shift (Set B) runs on select dates until April 19 at the PETA Theater Center.

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Canadian Pro Mackonner Dy Headlines SM Active Hub Anniversary Pickleball Tour

Mackonner Dy at play in SM City Marikina Pickleball Courts

SM Active Hub marks its first anniversary with an exciting pickleball roadshow across select SM Supermalls, headlined by Canadian Pickleball National Champion Mackonner Dy. His recent visit to the Philippines kicked off at SM City Marikina, drawing strong enthusiasm and highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

Mackonner Dy, a 16-year-old standout from The Nest Pickleball Academy in Tsawwassen, BC, is known for his exceptional skill set, including impressive hand speed at the kitchen, advanced pickleball IQ, creative shot-making, and calm composure beyond his years. He is a National Canadian Champion in the Singles Open Division, was drafted into the Canadian National Pickleball League under the Vancouver Owls, competed in the Round of 16 at the PPA Texas Open and won recently gold at PPA Hanoi.

A welcome ceremony held for Mackonner Dy (center) was led by SM Supermalls AVP for Marketing Jay Aranas (left), Area Marketing OIC Ma-ann Hipol (3rd from right), Regional Marketing Head Khristine Lenon (2nd from right), SM City Marikina Mall Manager Francis Brian Cruz (5th from left) and representatives from Paloo PH and SM City Marikina team.

A delightful Q&A with Mackonner during the welcome ceremony at SM City Marikina

At SM City Marikina, Mackonner received a warm welcome from SM Supermalls representatives, the SM City Marikina team, Paloo PH, and a vibrant community of local pickleball players, reflecting the collaborative efforts driving the sport’s growth in the Philippines.

Mackonner celebrates a point with a quick paddle tap alongside his teammate at SM City Marikina.

During the event, Mackonner emphasized pickleball’s accessibility and social appeal, noting that it is easy to learn and highly engaging. He also shared his excitement over the increasing number of dedicated pickleball spaces, particularly in SM malls, which he believes will inspire more people, especially the youth, to go all out, stay active, and reach their full potential while supporting their mental and social well-being.

A light moment and quick chat with his fellow pickleball players during an exhibition game at SM City Marikina.

The roadshow is part of SM Active Hub’s commitment to creating dynamic and engaging experiences for its mallgoers, in line with its vision of being the most-loved mall that offers “all for you” experiences. The anniversary celebration goes all out and maxed out, bringing world-class talent and exciting sports opportunities closer to Filipino communities.

Catch Mackonner Dy at your nearest SM Supermall pickleball courts until April 12

The pickleball roadshow with Mackonner Dy runs until April 12, 2026, with stops at the following SM Supermalls:

• SM Center Muntinlupa (April 10)
• SM Southmall (April 10)
• SM North EDSA (April 11)
• SM City Bicutan (April 12)
• SM City Sta. Mesa (April 12)

Celebrate with SM Active Hub and experience the excitement of pickleball with Mackonner Dy.
#SMActiveHub #HereToMove #GalaToTheMax

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3 Lessons from Women who Successfully built Careers in Freelancing

Mia and Dana share their freelancing journey and career growth at the She Talks Asia Summit 2026.

Earning through freelance work has never been more accessible. With a stable internet connection and numerous job platforms, opportunities can come from anywhere – and for many Filipino women, they do. A 2020 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that an increasing number of women are engaging in online work because it lets them earn while balancing home responsibilities.

But access doesn’t always mean ease. Freelancers face inconsistent income, unpredictable clients, and little guidance on how to navigate it all. For longtime freelancers Mia Juan and Dana Novales, building a career online has meant learning these lessons in real time. With more women entering the freelancing field, they share three lessons they’ve learned:

1. Build real relationships, not just transactions.

Freelancing can make work feel transactional. You get assigned a task, submit the work, get paid, and then move on. But the most successful freelancers don’t treat work that way.

In such an unpredictable field, being remembered matters.

According to Dana, “Real relationships are built on service, not strategy.” Every “Well done!” or “Good work!” can open doors to new opportunities, so don’t waste them. Instead, take an extra step to establish a real relationship with your clients: check in, understand what they need, and find ways to make the process easy for them.

2. Set up systems that work for you.

Handling different clients with different ways of working can get overwhelming fast. For Mia, having systems for your workflow simply makes this easier and helps manage client expectations.

A look into Mia’s workstation, where she manages her daily freelance work and tasks

That can be as simple as being clear about what services you offer. “It’s basically saying this is what I can offer and setting a clear boundary of what you do not do. That way, there is no miscommunication of responsibilities, which happens commonly in freelancing work,” she shares. It also helps to have a proper onboarding flow – having contracts, timelines, and payment terms in place before you start, not while you're already in the middle of the work.

3. Find solutions that work for your peace of mind.

Some challenges only appear once you’re in the midst of them, and for many freelancers, realizing that foreign payments come with fees, delays, and uncertainty is when freelancing starts to feel stressful.

A closer look at Dana’s work routine, which includes various creative works for her clients

“Earning in USD sounds exciting–until fees, forex, and delays eat into your income,” Dana points out. She shares that this is something she wishes she had known earlier in her freelancing career. “That’s why there is importance in having the right structures in place, especially if you’re a mom who has to think of managing your home, paying your bills, among many other responsibilities.”

That’s why Mia and Dana now use the new GCash Virtual US Account, a feature within the GCash app that lets freelancers receive USD payments from US clients more directly without the usual surcharges. After creating an account, you get your own ACH and Wire Routing Number, which you can give to your clients for direct deposits of your pay.

You can also choose to convert your USD to PHP when you want, depending on live forex rates, which you can see on the platform – giving you control over how much you actually receive. Once it’s in your wallet, you can use it to send money, pay bills, or add to your savings.

Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy in just a few steps.

1. Open the GCash app. Tap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
2. Tap Continue and verify your information
3. Complete your account creation

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Easter Sunday at The Manila Hotel: Golden Easter Egg Hunters and Ukrainian Heritage in Color

The Manila Hotel concluded two exciting events over the Easter weekend, offering guests both festive family fun and a rich cultural experience at the Grand Dame of the Philippines.

GOLDEN Easter Egg Hunters took place on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Fiesta Pavilion. Laughter, excitement, and joyful cheer filled the afternoon as children and families enjoyed fun and engaging activities, including an Easter egg hunt, face painting, egg and cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, bouncy castles, balloon twisters, and more. Guests were also treated to delicious snacks provided by the event partners and enjoyed a captivating magic show, adding an extra touch of wonder to the festivities. A highlight of the afternoon was the live musical performance by The Manila Hotel’s very own performers, inspired by the artistry of Huntrix.

Simultaneously, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines and the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine hosted a special Easter-themed masterclass at the Roma Salon, titled “Ukrainian Heritage in Color: A Petrykivka & Pysanka Experience.” Attendees were delighted to explore the beauty of traditional Ukrainian art in a hands-on session with Ukrainian artist Arthur Tselishchev, discovering the colorful world of Petrykivka painting and the intricate symbolism of Pysanka eggs. Guests of honor included H.E. Yuliia Fediv, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines, and Ms. Olena Vaniuhova, Second Secretary for Consular Affairs of the Embassy of Ukraine. who joined the activity to celebrate Ukrainian heritage and creativity.

“Easter at The Manila Hotel was marked by joy, family bonding, and cultural celebration,” said Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s vice president for sales and marketing. “We are proud to host events that bring people, especially families, together, whether through festive activities for children or enriching cultural experience for our guests.”

Everyone is invited for more exciting events, family activities, and special offers from The Manila Hotel in the coming months, promising even more memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

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Veniccio.com presents International Chopin Competition Laureate - Kate Liu

Veniccio.com, in partnership with MA Piano Academy, is excited to announce, “Kate Liu in Recital,” featuring world-class pianist Kate Liu. The concert marks Liu’s Philippine debut, which will premiere on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. She will perform the piano works of Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms.

This production by Veniccio.com continues the effort of bringing internationally acclaimed artists to the Philippines and exposing Filipino listeners to world-class performers like Kate Liu.

Liu won the attention of the classical music world during the 17th International Chopin Competition, where she established herself as one of the foremost interpreters of Chopin.

Not only did she win the competition’s 3rd prize, but Liu was also awarded on Polish radio as the audience’s favorite, winning the Best Mazurka Prize.

A musical form of Polish origin, Frederic Chopin’s Mazurkas are among his compositions that distinctly show his nationalism and deep admiration for his native culture. Liu will play her Op. 30 set alongside the Polish composer’s Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 35, whose third movement contains the famous “Funeral March.”

Following this is Robert Schumann’s Arabesque in C Major, Op. 18, a lighthearted work that offers the opportunity to witness Liu’s dreamlike, delicate pianism. In contrast, Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major, Op. 1, which will mark the concert’s finale, is almost orchestral with its chordal nature, eliciting a depth of emotion.

Witness Kate Liu in the Philippines for the first time this May 2 as she performs this markedly romantic repertory of classical piano works. For more details and ticket purchases, visit Veniccio.com.

Program:

• Frédéric Chopin - 4 Mazurkas, Op. 30
• Frédéric Chopin - Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 35
• Robert Schumann - Arabeske in C Major, Op. 18
• Johannes Brahms - Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major, Op. 1

Ticket prices:
10,000 PHP; 6,000 PHP; 4,500 PHP; 4,000 PHP; 3,500 PHP; 2,500 PHP

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