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Vic Vic Bautista

Food, Sports

Leg segments of the National MILO® Marathon Manila are held in an inclusive manner

Special Olympics Pilipinas athletes and partners proudly raise their banner as they approach the finish line

At the Manila MILO® Marathon 2025, thousands of athletes—from top runners to first-time competitors—came together to demonstrate the powerful and unifying power of sports. The goal of MILO®, which is to support champions and guarantee that every runner, regardless of background or skill, has the chance to cross the finish line—one stride at a time—is reaffirmed during this year’s event.

The Manila leg of the National MILO® Marathon 2025 seeks to give runners of all abilities a chance to stay active. With the motivational involvement of over 300 athletes with disabilities and united athletes, MILO® underlines its dedication to closing gaps and promoting a future in which sports are accessible to everyone.

A defining moment for inclusivity took place at the Manila leg of the National MILO® Marathon 2025, where MILO® proudly welcomed participants from the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) and Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP). Raising their banners high and proud, these remarkable athletes showcased their determination, resilience, and unbreakable spirit on the racecourse.

Left: Participants of the 3K category set off at the sound of the starting gun.
Right: Alex Faith Garcia shares a moment with students from the Philippine School for the Deaf.

“Running with my family allowed me to bond with them while also helping me become more patient and focused. It also helps me manage stress,” shared Alliyah, a student from PSD. Meanwhile, Joshua, from the same institution, emphasized the empowerment he felt at that very moment on the track: “Sports help me develop myself, exercise more, and continue to persevere. I encourage others to join, be more patient, and enjoy the experience.” Both student participants, along with their classmates and teachers, took their post-run celebration to the race village, where more activities awaited them. The energy and excitement carried over from the track, reinforcing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among participants.

Looking ahead, MILO® is strengthening its partnership with SOP to provide more inclusive sporting opportunities. Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO® Sports, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and said, “Sports teach discipline, grit, and teamwork—values that extend far beyond the track. At MILO®, we believe that active kids are better learners, and we are committed to breaking barriers so that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive through sports.”

For decades, MILO® has fueled generations of champions through its ongoing sports programs and year-long initiatives, creating opportunities for young athletes to discover their potential and overcome roadblocks in their fields. MILO® continues to champion an environment where every athlete, regardless of ability, is supported and encouraged to pursue their passion for sports. From grassroots sports programs to national events, the brand remains steadfast in making sports more accessible and inclusive for all.

This year’s National MILO® Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a national movement that embraces every runner, every stride, and every tale of tenacity, all with the shared goal of encouraging people to take action, push their boundaries, and think that every Filipino deserves a spot on the starting line.

Participate in the upcoming race and join the revolution! Visit the official MILO® website to view the complete program and register, or follow MILO® on Facebook and Instagram to remain up to speed.

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

In the most recent Tangere 2025 Senatorial Preferential Survey, there was a three-way tie for top place; FPRRD’s arrest increased PDP-Laban’s chances of winning a Senate seat

A three-way statistical tie between brothers Media Executive Ben “Bitag” Tulfo and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo and Senator Bong Go, who each received 54% of the vote, was the result of Tangere’s most recent 2025 Pre-Election Senatorial Preferential Survey, which was conducted on the eve of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Ben ‘Bitag’ Tulfo received 54.63% of the vote, which put him at the top of the overall rating. Metro Manila and Visayas voters chose him. Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon voters favored Erwin Tulfo, the ACT-CIS congressman, who came in third (53.50%). Rep. Erwin Tulfo was preferred by older respondents, whereas Ben “Bitag” Tulfo was more popular with voters between the ages of 18 and 25. Senator Bong Go, the incumbent, will rank second overall with a 54% voter choice, a significant rise over the study conducted last month. When it came to Mindanao voter preference, Senator Go was the most popular candidate.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – PDP Laban Candidates

  • A notable increase for the following candidates and guests from PDP-Laban was recorded for February. This can be attributed to the rise in support for the embattled former president:
    • Senator Bong Go (Ranked 1-3) from 51.25% to 54.00%;
    • Senator Bato Dela Rosa (Ranked 7-13) &nbspfrom 36.54% to 37.29%;
    • Actor Philip Salvador (Ranked 19-20) from 21.92% to 22.67%;
    • Rodante Marcoleta (Ranked 21-23) from 19.12% to 19.83%;
    • Jimmy Bondoc (Ranked 21-23) from 17.63% to 18.13%;
    • Vic Rodriguez (Ranked 26-27) from 6.63% to 10.42%
  • No notable movement were recorded for Sec. Raul Lambino, Pastor Quiboloy, and Jesus Hinlo, Jr.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – Admin Candidates

  • No notable movement were recorded for the following candidates:
    • Former Senator Tito Sotto continued to rank fourth with a 47.67% voter preference;
    • Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Pia Cayetano remained statistically tied at 5-6 with 42% voter preference each;
    • Former DILG Secretary Ben Abalos ranked seventh overall with a 37.54% voter preference. He is statistically tied with other admin candidates for 7-13 , Senator Lito Lapid (37.00%),  Senator Manny Pacquiao (36.92%) , and Senator Ping Lacson (36.29%);
  • A notable increase for the following candidates was recorded:
    • Senator Ping Lacson (Ranked 7-13) from 33.33% to 36.29%;
    • Makati Mayor Abigail Binay (Ranked 13-16) from 30.42% to 33.88%;
    • Camille Villar (Ranked 14-16) from 29.38% to 32.04%.
  • Only the following candidates from the administration lineup recorded a decrease in voter preference :
    • Senator Imee Marcos (Ranked 17-18) from 29.04% to 27.13%;
    • Senator Francis Tolentino (Ranked 17-18) from 28.04% to 27.04%.

FPRRD ICC Arrest

According to Tangere’s latest public opinion poll, a strong majority, exceeding three out of four are against the Marcos Administration’s cooperation with Interpol in arresting Former President Rodrigo Duterte Based on the ICC Warrant .  Respondents from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas are the key demographics driving the agreement. Opposition to the agreement is largely concentrated among 36 to 50 year-old respondents from Metro Manila and Northern Luzon,. The vast majority of respondents, specifically 73%, said that the arrest will cause a national rift within the country. A significant two-thirds of those who trusted the Marcos Administration lost their trust after the arrest of the former president,

In response to the question if this will have an effect on their voter preference this coming May 2025 Mid-Term Elections, More than a substantial portion of voters, specifically 85%, mentioned that this will play a significant role in their selection process during the upcoming midterm elections.

With a sample size of 2,400 participants (+/- 1.96% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level), the non-commissioned survey was administered via a mobile responder application on March 11–14, 2025, using a stratified random sampling approach (quota based sampling). Twelve percent came from the National Capital Region (NCR), twenty percent from Visayas, twenty-three percent from Northern Luzon, twenty-two percent from Southern Luzon, and twenty-three percent from Mindanao.

The goal of Tangere, an innovative market research firm with an award-winning technological application, is to understand Filipino opinions. Tangere is pleased to be a member of both the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES). One of the first businesses to register with the COMELC was Tangere.

Email Tangere at [email protected] to obtain the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Lil Nas X Releases Much-Awaited New Single “HOTBOX”

WATCH ALL THE PINK DREAMSCAPES UNFOLD IN NEW OFFICIAL VIDEO

“HOTBOX” Single Art | Download 

Through Columbia Records, multi-platinum, chart-topping, and award-winning musician Lil Nas X has released his new track, “HOTBOX.” Elias Talbot directed the official music video for the song, which was produced by his former partners Take a Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Ojivolta.

Watch the official video to see Nas get KO’d in a pink boxing ring, morph into a pink transformer, swim in a pink pool, and play through other hot pink dreamscapes. It’s a lively, bouncy, and steamy single watch.

A turning point in Nas’ new DREAMBOY phase is marked with “HOTBOX.” Joy, self-affirmation, and unreservedly occupying space as the most self-assured, buoyant, and carefree version of himself are all present in this new chapter.

Together with “HOTBOX,” “DREAMBOY,” “BIG DUMMY,” “SWISH,” and “RIGHT THERE” have established Nas’ thrilling comeback and showcased all the dynamic facets of his unique genius.

Watch this space for more DREAMBOY period content shortly!

 

Lil Nas X Socials:

Instagram | TikTok | X

 

Lifestyle, News

Eastern Communications and BIR Collaborate to Provide a Faster, Securer Network

Eastern Communications holds a partnership kick off meeting with BIR to discuss the transformative benefits of SD-WAN [FROM L to R:] BIR Head Revenue Executive Assistant, (ISDOS) Jose Afable, BIR Head of National Office Data Center (Regions 8A/8B), Daniel Lubiano, BIR Head of Revenue Data Center – Luzon 2, Cynthia De Leon, BIR Chief of Staff, ISG, Eunisa Castillo, BIR Deputy Commissioner, ISG, Ma. Rosario Enriquez-Curiba, Eastern Communications (EC) VP and Head of Sales Mike Castañeda, EC VP and Head of Product & Innovation Edsel Paglinawan, EC Sales Enterprise Head Carlo Alzul, EC Senior Account Manager Stephen Yap, EC Sales Industry Head (G&S) Patrick Pilapil, and EC Sales Cluster Head Roy Dimaculangan.

Eastern Communications and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently held a partnership briefing in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Information System Group, marking the official cooperation. The BIR hired the ICT provider to use SD-WAN (Software-Defined Area Network) to secure the network infrastructure of its office. Eastern Communications is renowned for helping government organizations on their path to digitalized operations by providing them with cloud and data services, cybersecurity solutions, and quick, secure, and dependable connectivity.

Visit eastern.com.ph or give us a call at 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ dedicated internet, cloud, cybersecurity, and other ICT solutions.

 

Entertainment

Waiian’s third album, BACKSHOTS, releases a manifesto of self-expression and sincerity

The 9-track release is a chaotic but intentional collection of sonic backlogs, abandoned ideas, and unfiltered stories

With his much awaited third album, BACKSHOTS, Filipino rapper Waiian offers an honest, unfiltered commentary on music and personal life.

The well-known emcee boldly challenges the absurdity of the music industry and current trends with the nine-track album, defying social norms and highlighting the value of authenticity and keeping loyal to one’s talent.

BACKSHOTS serves as my testament to consistently speak my truth,” says the Solo Mission act. “The album is my rebelling against being known solely for motivational bars. Although I still believe in my roots, I also want to showcase my lighter side: the playful, humorous person who enjoys my life journey even as I pursue my rap career.”

Produced with Love and Rage

The album, produced by Kashira Music Prod and Pistolgrip, was shaped through a mix of love and raw emotion, challenging Waiian to rap over sonic experiments and eclectic beats. Throughout the project, the Makati City-based hip-hop artist credits his inspiration to artists who are not afraid to push the boundaries of songwriting, performance, and production.

“I drew inspiration from artists like Teezo Touchdown, Kanye West, Brockhampton, Kendrick Lamar, Denzel Curry and my past work, and more,” shares Waiian. “The 9-track album organically took shape, mirroring the cycle of life—its beginning and its inevitable end.”

A Journey of Growth and Reflection

BACKSHOTS offers a mix of seriousness and silliness, satire and sincerity, chaos and freedom. Lovingly layered with care and attention, the album takes listeners through unrefined thoughts and emotions, challenging and subverting traditional ideas of how music should be presented. With each track, Waiian blends confessional storytelling with unwavering commitment to his narrative, capturing both his growth as an artist and his reflections on career and life.

Key highlights from the album include “MAN IN THE MERROR,” the first track that he finished for this particular project, and “SI LODS NA ANG BAHALA,” which serves as a deep introspection of his life in a 3 minute and 32 second wav file. While he dedicates love, time, and focus to every single song in the record, making sure that each track possess its own distinct thought and direction, the aforementioned track reveals a splash of sentimentality that fits neatly alongside his earlier and current catalog.

He confides, “There is this one song that made me the most emotional when I came home from finishing it after several days of straight studio sessions. It’s SI LODS NA BAHALA, and I felt great being able to channel my life whereabouts in the confines of a song. It could be one of my favorite songs to perform from now.”

Music Video Releases

Waiian plans to accompany the release of the album with visuals featuring renowned collaborators and friends. The music video for “LODS NA BAHALA,” in particular, will have its own treatment, complete with archival imagery and locations from his formative years, including excerpts from the short films he made as a student and places he used to hang out at. “It’s about remembering my roots as a creative. These elements are blended with footage from my current life and experiences reflecting my artistic evolution.”

Additionally, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR,” which was directed Miguel Garcia from Madman Creative Solutions, will showcase his fun and goofy side, featuring places and people close to Waiian’s heart. He’s also in the pre-production stages of the music video of “SOFTIE,” which will highlight diverse couples representing various underrepresented identities in mainstream media, as well as a collaboration with Geloy Concepcion.

Live Performances and Upcoming Shows

Waiian will debut songs off BACKSHOTS live at the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, where he’s meticulously planning and rehearsing every song for that special day to ensure a solid performance. Fans can expect a dynamic and energetic live set that captures the raw energy and emotional depth of his new album. He’s also set to co-headline the upcoming ALL OF THE NOISE music summit, along with Taiwanese band The Chairs, Singaporean rapper San The Wordsmith, and Thai indie pop collective KIKI.

Check out the track list:

  • AUG27
  • MALAKING BIRD
  • MAN IN THE MERROR
  • LOSE MY NUMBER
  • SOFTIE
  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
  • ASAN NA SI…
  • SI LODS NA BAHALA
  • BOUNCE NA KO MAN

Through Sony Music Entertainment, Waiian’s latest album, BACKSHOTS, is currently available on all digital music platforms globally. This Friday, March 14, 2025, at 8 PM, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR” will be released on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Scrubb and Pamungkas collaborate to co-headline a concert only in the Philippines

Tickets are now available via Helixpay

Pamungkas from Indonesia and Scrubb from Thailand will headline a one-day music extravaganza to commemorate GNN’s tenth anniversary of producing shows and concerts.

On April 26, 2025, #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila will be held at Mandala Park’s 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. The co-headline performance is exclusive to the Philippines and will be a major component of the year-long music campaign #GNN10. Earlier this year, this endeavor began with a series of sold-out performances, such as Tanaw: The Repeat at Newport Performing Arts Theater and Regina Song: Live in Manila.

The inaugural celebration not only commemorates the production company’s commitment to championing local and Asian artists but also reaffirms its mission of mounting concerts and events rooted in community building and inclusivity.

Screenshot

Having earned iconic status in their respective countries and throughout Southeast Asia, Pamungkas and Scrubb have cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the Philippines with their inescapable anthems. Indonesian singer-songwriter and producer Pamungkas became a regional sensation with his breakout hit, “To The Bone,” which topped streaming charts across Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, where it peaked at No. 5 on Spotify PH charts. Meanwhile, phenomenal Thai alt-pop duo Scrubb captivated global audiences with their enormous contributions to the official soundtrack of 2gether The Series, the biggest Boy’s Love hit to ever come out of the region.

GNN brought both artists in 2022 and 2024, respectively, introducing them to the Philippine market through separate headline shows.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Pamungkas and Scrubb back to the Philippine stage,” shares GNN Creative Director Marie Lara Pauline Bobier in an official press statement. “This anniversary celebration marks an important milestone for me, Ian, and Milley, and reflects how far we’ve come from our humble beginnings. It is a testament to our younger selves that passion, dedication, and perseverance pay off. We started with nothing—personally cutting tickets, selling them through meet-ups with strangers, carrying our extension cords and electric kettles to gigs and concerts—all while holding onto our day jobs.”

Bobier continues, “GNN has never been just about numbers; it has grown through shared experiences and memories. Our artists, gig and concertgoers, and dedicated production team have created moments that will last a lifetime. GNN has always been, and will always be, for those who live and breathe entertainment. We are truly grateful that, through our company, we have the privilege of bringing together the artists we admire with the fans who love them just as much.”

Tickets to #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila are available on March 14, 2025, 12 noon via https://scrubbpamungkas.helixpay.ph.

About GNN

GNN, previously known as Gabi Na Naman Productions, is a Filipino music events and multimedia company that brings memorable and one-of-a-kind experiences to a diverse spectrum of audiences. Founded in 2015 by Milley Habito, Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, and Ian Urrutia, the music and entertainment-focused agency has produced shows, activations, events, concerts and festivals in several venues across the country, from the Philippine Arena to Circuit Makati, from New Frontier to Music Museum, and so much more.

Aside from its landmark concerts and shows, GNN takes pride in its commitment to honing a safe space for music fans through concerts and events that champion the Filipino creative spirit. The Aliw Award-nominated team has mounted specialized shows featuring some of the biggest acts in the Philippines, including Ben&Ben, BINI, Ely Buendia, Kyla, Zack Tabudlo, IV of Spades, Lola Amour, Ebe Dancel, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, Mayonnaise, Gloc-9, UDD, Dong Abay, Johnoy Danao, Munimuni, Clara Benin, Over October, Joey Ayala, and more. They’ve also brought international acts to the local shores: Indonesia’s Pamungkas and Reality Club, Thailand’s SCRUBB, Singapore’s Regina Song, Ysa Yaneza and Club Mild, Taiwan’s Elephant Gym, Japan’s Hitsujibungaku and more.

As a business that focuses on publicity management, events production, and end-to-end music marketing, GNN has produced new strategies and creative solutions that are suited to the demands of the client or brand. In addition, the Filipino production group has worked with brands like Greenwich, TikTok, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, Island Records Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Home Buddies, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Globe Live, CDM Entertainment, ABS-CBN, TBA Studios, Def Jam Recordings Philippines, Linya Linya, Jack Daniel’s Philippines, Smirnoff Mule, and more.

 

 

 

 

Automotive

The 11th season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup has underway

Racing series to introduce new race format and race class

After introducing significant improvements for the 11th season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is once again bringing excitement to the local motorsports scene. The TGR Philippine Cup, formerly the TGR Vios Cup, is the top racing series offered by the mobility corporation with the goal of introducing Filipinos to the excitement of motorsports.

The 2025 TGR Philippine Cup season will resume with three race weekends and an earlier race schedule:

  • Race Weekend 1– March 22, 2025
  • Race Weekend 2 – May 2025
  • Race Weekend 3– August 2025

Race Weekend 1 will be setting the pace at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Action-packed races await spectators as racers in the Novice Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class duke it out in the Sprint and Endurance Races.

Returning to the Novice Class are TMP President Masando Hashimoto, Reph Bangsil, and media racers John Rey San Diego and Pablo Salapantan. Joining them are Vios Cup Autocross alumna Arianne Bautista, sim racer Luis Moreno, and media racer Ian Magbanua.

2025 TGR Philippine Cup Novice Class champion Russel Reyes and runner-up Jamil Lacuna have been promoted to the Sporting Class, where they will face off with some of the best racers in the country. They are joined by Kody Ng who is returning from last season to complete the Team TGR Philippines lineup.

A new race class will also be debuting on the grid—but with a familiar car! The Legacy Class, composed of former Vios Cup racers and owners of the third generation Vios, will be competing in their own race class in an exciting opportunity to see the legends and even former Vios Cup champions back on the track.

Racing teams from all over the country are revving up their engines for another thrill-filled season. With a bigger prize pool at stake, the competition is more intense than ever.

Fan-fun is back on track

In the spirit of providing fun and excitement to the fans, the TGR Philippine Cup is also introducing a new race format. Car clubs of Toyota’s performance cars – the GR Yaris, GR Supra and GR 86 – will get to push their super cars to the limits in the Club Race, a 5-lap circuit race.

Previously, car clubs were only given access to the speedway during Track Day, where they could fulfill their need for speed on the racetracks. Now with a competitive factor, the activity brings even more thrills to drivers and spectators alike.

For car club members who will not be participating in the Club Race, they will still get to enjoy driving around the track during Track Day, where fans can also enjoy seeing their favorite GR performance cars zipping through.

Fans will also get to see the New GR Yaris in action during its racetrack debut. The GR Supra, the GR 86, and various car club’s collections will also be on display at the event. Fans can also check out the official GR merchandise store for shirts, caps, umbrellas, tumblers, and other fan items.

There will be game booths, including the TGR GT Cup experience, where e-racing fans can put their skills to the test. Fans can also get their hands on freebies and prizes at the sponsors’ booths, and watch drifting and gymkhana exhibitions by professional drivers.

Filipino alternative rock band Hale will also be performing their hit songs for a night of celebration. Admission to all these activities is free!

“We talked with race fans and our customers to work out how we can make the TGR Philippine Cup even better. This led to the development of the Club Race and the Legacy Class, where fans themselves can participate in track activities,” shared TMP Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services Mr. Andy Ty. “Through events such as the TGR Philippine Cup, we hope more Filipinos can become interested in cars and motorsports, and experience for themselves the thrill of pushing the limits for better.”

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Facebook and YouTube accounts will stream live coverage of Race Weekend 1 of the TGR Philippine Cup. At 8:30 AM, the live stream will begin.

Official Tire Partner GT Radial and Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron are bringing the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup to you. Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One are also supporting this event.

For the latest information, follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the official accounts of Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and the Toyota PH Viber community.

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Sustainability Champions to Be Honored at the 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards

NBMA 2025

On March 21, 2025, the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila will host the eagerly awaited 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards. This esteemed occasion will honor people, groups, and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to governance, social responsibility, and sustainability.

The ceremony will celebrate new awards and recognition recipients who have shown exceptional leadership and ingenuity in furthering sustainable initiatives, and it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 distinguished guests will attend. With Senator Shelly V. Calvo among the esteemed guest speakers, the United States’ presence in this year’s event adds to its stature. She will offer insightful commentary on the worldwide push for a more sustainable and livable future.

Organized by Sustainability Standards, Inc., the awards recognize visionaries across various sectors who have significantly contributed to sustainability efforts within their industries. The organization remains committed to honoring and supporting individuals and businesses that prioritize environmental conservation, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

NBMA

Since its establishment in 2018, the Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards has recognized over 800 influential individuals and organizations, underscoring the critical role of sustainability in driving positive societal change. Last year’s honorees included key government officials and business leaders dedicated to fostering greener, more inclusive communities.

It is anticipated that this year’s event will be a historic celebration, uniting industry pioneers, thought leaders, and changemakers for an evening devoted to excellence and advancement. The 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards reiterate their commitment to recognize those who are creating a more sustainable and livable future as the globe continues to move toward sustainable practices.

Food

URC Flour “Rises and Shines” with Innovation and Expertise at FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025

The Filipino Chinese Baker’s Association Incorporated (FCBAI) Bakery Fair 2025 witnessed a dazzling display of innovation and expertise as URC Flour took center stage, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leaders in the flour industry. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and high-quality products, URC Flour’s participation underscored its commitment to empowering bakers and driving the industry forward.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” stated Naida Ebora, Sales, Marketing and Distribution Manager, URC Flour Division. “With the recent opening of our Sariaya Plant, we continuously strive to develop products that meet the evolving needs of bakers, whether they are home enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create exceptional baked goods,” added Ebora.

This year’s theme of “Rise and Shine,” perfectly aligned with URC Flour’s dedication to helping bakers achieve their full potential. At their vibrant booth, attendees were treated to a showcase of the company’s latest advancement in n flour technology and baking solution. And to support this year’s theme, URC’s concept of “SIKAT”, has truly embodies the company’s position in helping bakers achieve their objectives.

SIKAT in Filipino, means to shine, to be radiant, to be successful. It embodies the very essence of what we aim to achieve together. With URC flour, we want to empower you to be SIKAT in your baking endesvors. We understand that every baker, from home enthusiasts, to established professionals, dreams of creating baked goods that stand out, that are truly exceptional. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves in providing you the highest quality flour, the perfect foundation for your culinary masterpieces, “said Ebora.

One of the hightlights of URC flour’s exhibit was the live baking demonstrations led by renowned Chef Aileen Asilom, which captivated audiences, showcasing the versatility and superior quality of URC’s Flour product range. The baking sessions not only highlighted the adaptability of URC Flour’s product range but also provide valuable insights into the latest baking techniques.

In addition to the live demonstrations, URC Flour also featured interactive displays that highlighted the science behind baking, which provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the properties of different flours and how they affect the final product.

The company’s representatives were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing.

URC Flour’s participation in the FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025 was a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and expertise. By showcasing its latest products and providing valuable educational resources, the company has solidified its position as a leader in the baking industry. As the industry continues to evolve, URC Flour remains at the forefront, empowering bakers to “rise and shine” with their exceptional creations.

The FCBAI BAKERY FAIR 2025 has provided a platform for URC Flour to showcase their commitment to the baking community. Their SIKAT theme, combine with the fair’s RISE AND SHINE focus, has created a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration. By providing high quality flour and unwavering support, URC flour is helping bakers across the nation to truly shine.

Lifestyle, News

Philippine Book Festival 2025: BIGGER, BETTER, IN A NEW LOCATION

The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest all-Filipino book festival is back – this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year’s PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 – 16, 2025.

Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.

“In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers – all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino – Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.

The PBF’s third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country’s famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.

THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE PBF 2025 REALMS. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and Scriptwriter Ricky Lee together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms, Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey “Pepot”Atienza and Juno Abreau.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to text \books, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue – at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.

“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.

The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB’s flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.

The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content – all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.

For complete details, visit the official FaceBook page of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) https://www.facebook.com/NBDBPhilippines