Lifestyle

JCI Manila has partnered with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) and Hyve Sports PH to launch the JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run for Mental Health, a community run that will help fund the construction of the PMHA Wellness Center, a dedicated space for counseling, mental health support, and wellness programs.

Set on May 31, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, the ColorFest Carnival Run aims to bring together thousands of participants in a vibrant celebration of movement, community, and advocacy while highlighting the connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. Participants may register at jcimanilacolorrun.com.

Proceeds from the run will support the construction of the PMHA Wellness Center, which will transform an unfinished area within the PMHA compound into a dedicated space for mental health care. The facility will include counseling and group therapy spaces, light-filled therapy rooms, a healing garden and meditation area, and a calm environment for mental wellness programs. The center is envisioned as a safe haven for individuals seeking support, healing, and guidance.

For JCI Manila President Edison Ke, the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to service and community development.

“JCI Manila carries out around 400 community projects every year, supported by more than 600 members committed to service,” Ke said. “Physical health and mental health are closely connected. Through initiatives like this, we want to remind people that while we often focus on physical fitness, mental health is equally important.”

Anton Laborte, Project Chairman of the JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run, said the event goes beyond a traditional fun run.

“ColorFest Carnival is a movement that brings people together to remind everyone that mental health matters and that no one should face struggles alone. We invite everyone to run with us — run with purpose and run for mental health,” Laborte said.

The Philippine Mental Health Association, the event’s main beneficiary, welcomed the initiative as an important platform to expand awareness and support services.

“This is a powerful opportunity to reach more people and raise awareness about both physical and mental health, which are both essential to overall wellbeing,” said Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco, National Executive Director of PMHA.

Meanwhile, PMHA President Arch. Mariano Arce Jr. emphasized the importance of creating spaces that support healing.

“Mental wellness requires spaces where people can relax, reflect, meditate, and reconnect with nature,” Arce said, referring to the upcoming PMHA Wellness Center.

The JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run for Mental Health will feature a vibrant course filled with bursts of color, music, and carnival-inspired elements designed for both seasoned runners and first-time participants.

As preparations continue for the May 31 run, organizers are inviting Filipinos from all walks of life to take part — because every step taken brings the community closer to building a space where healing, support, and hope can flourish. The initiative is supported by various partners helping amplify awareness and encourage broader community participation, including Punto Consultancy as PR-CSR partner.

Participants are encouraged to run with purpose — for themselves, for their community, and for mental health.

For more information, you may visit https://jcimanila.org/.

The Philippines’ premier event for gift sourcing returns with its largest showcase yet.

The Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show, the Philippines’ longest-running exhibition for corporate gifts, premiums, and office solutions, is set to return for its 39th edition on July 1–3, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, featuring its largest and most extensive showcase yet.

This year’s edition is set to be significantly larger, featuring over 65% more exhibit space to accommodate a wider range of suppliers, products, and sourcing opportunities for attendees. The expansion highlights the event’s ongoing success in generating tangible business outcomes for exhibitors while providing buyers with a more efficient procurement experience.

For nearly four decades, the show has established itself as a trusted platform connecting gifts & premiums suppliers with corporate decision-makers, attracting thousands of professionals from marketing, procurement, HR, and business development each year.

“Many of our exhibitors have been with us for over 20 years.” shared World Expos & Concepts President, Raquel Romero, the show’s organizer.

“Nothing makes us prouder than hearing exhibitors share how this event has supported their growth. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to generate consistent leads, orders, and long-term client relationships,” she added.

Corporate gifting remains a critical tool in modern business strategy. Beyond simple giveaways, companies now use branded merchandise to strengthen client relationships, reward employees, and reinforce brand identity throughout the year. As businesses move toward more meaningful engagement, demand continues to grow for functional, creative, and high-quality corporate gifts that leave lasting impressions.

The Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show brings this entire ecosystem together under one roof, making it easy for visitors to compare products, evaluate quality firsthand, and connect directly with reliable suppliers. From customizable merchandise and eco-friendly giveaways to premium executive gifts and office solutions, the event offers a comprehensive range of options for every corporate need.

Attendees can look forward to an engaging and convenient sourcing experience, whether they are preparing for corporate events, marketing initiatives, employee engagement activities, or client appreciation programs.

Admission to the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show 2026 is free. Pre-event registration is now available at www.corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com

Concepcion empowers the Aling Tinderas in local communitiesto lead the change against plastic pollution in partnership with PCX

Concepcion Industrial Corporation, the country’s leading provider of home and enterprise solutions, continues to advance responsible corporate citizenship by demonstrating that sustainability should create impact beyond business operations. Through its subsidiaries—Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company, Concepcion-Durables, Inc., Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines, and Cortex Technologies Corporation—the group successfully diverted a total of 885,000 kilograms of plastic waste over the past year.

This annual achievement underscores CIC’s proactive approach to environmental  stewardship. In partnership with PCX, CIC has moved past standard environmental  compliance. This collaboration ensures that for every kilogram of plastic the company  produces, an equivalent or greater amount is recovered, processed into reusable materials or  energy, and reintegrated into the country’s circular economy. With this milestone, CIC proudly  stands among a select group of companies that consistently achieve and exceed the plastic  offsetting mandates set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Concepcion Industrial Corporation Sustainability Champions. at the 2025 PCX PULSE Sustainability Conferenc

While the environmental metrics are significant, the true measure of CIC’s initiative lies in its  grassroots social impact. Central to this mission is the Aling Tindera network, an initiative that  transforms everyday sari-sari stores into community collection hubs. Over 107,000 kilograms  of the total diverted waste were recovered directly from local neighborhoods through this  program. This initiative does more than clear plastic from the streets and oceans; it builds  economic resilience by empowering women micro-entrepreneurs to lead environmental  awareness in their communities while generating sustainable, supplemental income.

For many of these women, participating in this “waste-to-cash” ecosystem has provided a  tangible pathway to financial stability and growth. Aling Belen, a program partner, highlighted  how the initiative secures her family’s future: “Dinadala ko po siya sa pangangailangan ng  aking mga anak sa eskwela (I use this for my children’s school needs).”

Similarly, Aling Lorme reflected on the opportunities the program unlocked for her family’s  business: “One week lang, puno na ang site namin dahil maraming nagbebenta sa amin ng  mga plastic bottles, sachet at PET bottles. Nakapagpundar na kami ngayon ng tindahan ng  school supplies. Kung wala itong Aling Tindera, hindi namin ma-eexpand ang aming  tindahan (In just one week, our site is full because so many people sell us plastic bottles and  sachets. We’ve since been able to establish a school supplies store. Without Aling Tindera,  we wouldn’t have been able to expand our business).”

These initiatives illustrate Concepcion Industrial Corporation’s wider sustainability agenda in action. By combining large-scale investments in recycling systems with community empowerment efforts, recovered plastic waste is transformed into reusable materials that support a circular economy and help reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills and oceans.

Through these integrated programs, CIC shows that responsible manufacturing goes beyond reducing environmental impact—it is about generating shared value. Each kilogram of plastic diverted reflects not only a healthier environment but also improved livelihood opportunities for Filipino families.

Grand Monaco Land achieved a significant milestone after earning three prestigious awards at the FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation) Philippines 2026 Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards held on April 29, 2026 at Solaire Resort North.

The prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements and leadership in the Philippine real estate sector, with Grand Monaco Land receiving honors in residential affordable housing, hospitality development, and executive leadership.

Leading the company’s honors was the conferment of the Diplomate in Real Estate Management award upon Grand Monaco Land President and CEO, Engr. Reynaldo A. Carpio, Ph.D.. Regarded as the highest recognition bestowed by FIABCI Philippines, the award recognized his nearly four decades of contribution to Philippine real estate and his role in advancing affordable housing and integrated community development across the country.

During the awarding ceremony, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo likewise recognized Engr. Carpio’s business philosophy, highlighting that its wisdom transcends business and applies to all walks of life: “Once you stop learning, you stop growing. Therefore, never stop learning.”

Further adding to the company’s achievements, Grand Monaco Land received the Gold Winner Award as 2026 Outstanding Developer of the Year – Residential Affordable Category for Montana Misora Homes under the Grand Monaco–Montana Homes development portfolio. The recognition marked the company’s 3rd Outstanding Developer of the Year Award, underscoring its continued commitment to developing quality and accessible communities for Filipino families.

The company also received the Silver Winner Award for the 2026 Outstanding Developer – Hotel Category (4-Star Level) for Monaco Hotel, further solidifying Grand Monaco Land’s expanding presence in the hospitality sector and highlighting its commitment to industry excellence.

The three recognitions underscore Grand Monaco Land’s ongoing dedication to innovation, quality, and community-focused development as it continues to grow its presence across both residential and hospitality industries

Thoughtful gifts and experiences made more rewarding with a Metrobank credit card

Mother’s Day doesn’t need to be lavish to be memorable. Often, it’s the simple and heartfelt gestures that leave the greatest impression.

For those still deciding how to celebrate, Metrobank has put together a few easy yet meaningful ideas to make moms feel extra special—plus added rewards when you use any Metrobank credit card.

Start with something she’ll keep
A well-chosen gift can say a lot, especially when it’s something she can return to every day. Jewelry remains a timeless option—not for its price, but for its meaning.

At Esotico Jewelry, you can enjoy 30% off on plain gold items with a minimum spend of PHP5,000, making it easier to find a piece she’ll treasure for years.

Whether it’s something simple or a bit more statement-making, the thought behind it is what she’ll remember.

Give her a moment to unwind  
Sometimes, the best gift is simply the chance to slow down—something many moms rarely get. Treat her to a quick skin retreat at VMV Skin-Specialist Boutiques and enjoy 15% off on products and services.

For a more memorable experience, consider doing something unique together, like a perfume-making session at The Scent Studio, where you can enjoy 30% off their workshop and 10% off home fragrances with a minimum single-receipt in-store spend of PHP650. It’s less about the activity and more about the time spent creating something together.

Upgrade her home
For many moms, the things they use daily matter just as much as special-occasion gifts.

A small upgrade at home can make routines feel lighter and more enjoyable. Get her new kitchen essentials from Ninja Kitchen and take advantage of a 20% discount on select appliances, including their popular Dual Zone Airfryers. These items sound too practical, but it’s the kind of gift that becomes an essential part of her everyday.

Keep the classics  
Some gestures remain timeless for a reason. Flowers, for one, never go out of style.

Whether it’s a simple bouquet or something more elaborate, FlowerStore.ph offers 25% off plus free shipping on Mother’s Day when you use your Metrobank credit card and the app code MBANKMOM. Potico.ph also offers 30% off for any item on their online shop when you use the code MBANKPMOM. It’s an easy way to add a thoughtful touch to the day, especially when paired with a handwritten note.

Celebrate every kind of mom
Motherhood looks different for everyone, and so does the way we celebrate it.

For new moms navigating a new routine, seasoned moms refreshing their newborn essentials, or any mom in need of a curated selection of parent-tested essentials, consider gifting items from Edamama, which offers 10% off in-store or PHP500 off online for first-time users (code: METROMAMA2026). It’s a small but helpful way to support this new chapter—practical, thoughtful, and grounded in what she actually needs.

Keep it simple, keep it meaningful
At its core, Mother’s Day isn’t about doing more—it’s about being present. A thoughtful gift, a shared experience, or even just uninterrupted time together can mean more than any grand plan.

With a thoughtfully selected range of offers, Metrobank credit cardholders can spend less time planning and more time celebrating the moms who matter most.

To view the complete list of participating merchants, exclusive offers, and terms and conditions, visit the Promo page on the Metrobank website.

Not a cardholder yet? Learn more or apply for a Metrobank credit card through Metrobank Credit Cards, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/personal/cards/credit-cards