Building Classrooms, One Bottle at a Time: SM Joins Generation HOPE Campaign

 SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country.

Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap.

Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Mr. Steven Tan assemble puzzle pieces at the Generation HOPE launch, symbolizing SM’s support in building classrooms for Filipino students.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po join representatives from seven brand partners in a united show of support to build classrooms and uplift Filipino education.

 

In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution.

“At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”

“We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE. 

“Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

 

This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time.

Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.

MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Showcases HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series at BGC Launch Event

 Fresh off their triumphant MPTC Tour of Luzon debut, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team has traded the trail for the innovation stage as the team were seen at the HUAWEI Wearables Launch Event, held last May 22 at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center. The team reflected on their race experience with HUAWEI and got to take the newly-launched HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series for a spin.

MPT DriveHub Team – Team Manager / Sports Director – Matt Aguilar, MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Member – Rustom Lim, Best Sprinter, Tour of Luzon 2025 – Mervin Corpuz with HUAWEI Philippines Representatives

 

Victorious MPTC Tour of Luzon Ride with HUAWEI

 

Last April, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team took on an exhilarating 8-day journey across 7 provinces for the MPTC Tour of Luzon. They won against 13 local and 4 international cycling teams. The race spanned over 1,000 kilometers across Luzon’s varied terrain, from steep mountain ascents and coastal sprints to endurance-testing stretches, under the scorching summer sun.

 

The MPT DriveHub team partnered with HUAWEI for the race and credited the tech brand’s wearable innovation for helping them maintain peak condition through grueling climbs and back-to-back stages. The team’s experience with HUAWEI wearables during the race reflects one of the many ways HUAWEI leverages its innovations, equipped with next-level sports and wellness features, to reshape athletic performances and empower healthier, more active lifestyles.

 

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ Eye-Catching Style, Fit for the Trail

 

At the launch event, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team was among the first to experience the newly launched HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series. The team got to explore the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ extensive features, including its comfortable and stylish fit. “I like it. It feels light and secure on the wrist, but still looks durable” said MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Manager and Sports Director Matt Aguilar. Aside from its lightweight wear, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ vibrant AMOLED display with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness was another feature that the team took note of. “I think the bright display is helpful for when we wear it while riding during the day and night,” commented MPT DriveHub Cycling Team’s Mervin Corpuz, who was awarded Best Sprinter for MPTC Tour of Luzon.

 

MPT DriveHub Team

 

Personalization was another highlight of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, as team members got to customize the smartwatch according to their own personal style. They chose from a wide variety of watch faces, like the workout-based watch face, kCaltracking face, and the activity rings watch face. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also offered an array of straps to choose from, including skin-friendly fluoroelastomer straps and breathable woven straps.

Pro-Level Sports and All-Round Health Features for Peak Performance

 

The MPT DriveHub Cycling Team was drawn to the pro-level sports features of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series. “The sports features of the watch makes it very useful for team training and riding,” claimed Rustom Lim, MPT DriveHubCycling Team member. The watch supports over 100 sports modes, including indoor and outdoor cycling. While on Riding Mode, the team can use the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series as a stopwatch to time their performance. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series now supports up to 40m free diving and is the first in its class to support water sports, such as open-water swimming and paddleboarding.

Equipped with a built-in barometer and the HUAWEI Sunflower Positioning System, the WATCH FIT 4 Series delivers highly accurate route tracking, and now supports offline maps for greater confidence during outdoor adventures. “Precise tracking lets us not worry too much about our route during races,” said Mervin Corpuz. Meanwhile, the TruSense System on the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro can help the team monitor critical health metrics like SpO2 levels, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability (HRV), to stay on top of their health while training or during a race. 

 

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also featured wellness monitoring features, including comprehensive sleep services and the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. “Recovery is an important part of training and performance. These features can help us know when to pull back and rest,” shared Rustom Lim.

 

All-Day Power and Smart Convenience for Multi-Day Races 

 

Not only can the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series power the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team’s performance, it can also be a reliable daily companion.  With up to 10 days of battery life and fast-charging capabilities, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series proves to be especially valuable during multi-day races like the MPTC Tour of Luzon. Mervin Corpuz said, “The long battery life is great, it’s one less thing to worry about.”

Beyond a powerful battery life, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also comes with smart features to boost convenience. This includes Bluetooth-enabled calling, QR payment support with Watch Pay, voice memos, text-to-speech messages, and keyboard text input. 

Ride Ahead with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series

 

 

Power your fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 6,499 for the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and PHP 13,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro. Get exclusive freebies with your purchase, including the HUAWEI FreeBudsSE 2 worth PHP 1,599 and a 3-month HUAWEI Health+ VIP Service subscription worth PHP 387. For HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro buyers, enjoy an added bonus with trade-in tokens worth PHP 2,000.

 

Follow MPT DriveHub’s social media pages to know more about the team and their future races. 

 

To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or check out HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook| Instagram).

Choose your kind of adventure with Smart

The debate is on: will you chase the sun as an ‘Outdoor Explorer’ or embrace indoor comfort as a ‘Stay-in Squad’? No matter your preference, here are ways you can create new core memories and make the most of the season.

For the Outdoor Explorers

 

Discover heritage sites near you: There is magic in reliving Old Manila through the walled city of Intramuros and the grand San Agustin Church, one of the four baroque churches built during the Spanish colonial era. Outside the capital, explore the stunning San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the majestic Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and the intricate Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond the Instagram appeal, these remnants connect us to our history. Search online for more heritage gems in your area, drawing inspiration from travel vlogs and documentaries.

Be a ‘joiner’ in online travel groups: Finding it hard to rally your crew? Consider joining online travel groups on social media. Popular destinations for joiners include Luzon’s towering Mt. Pulag in Benguet or the sunny beaches of Zambales and Cebu. Check online reviews to ensure their itineraries suit your time and budget. And don’t forget to share your own adventures! Tip: Look for groups with clear safety guidelines and positive community feedback.

 

Go on a local gastronomic adventure: Have you tasted Aling Lucing’s sisig in Pampanga or the crispy perfection of Cebu lechon? What about the sweet comfort of buko pies in Laguna or the world-renowned mangoes of Guimaras? Summer is the perfect time for a delicious gastronomic journey. Use Google Maps and Waze to navigate your way through local shops and restaurants, ticking off those must-try dishes.

 

Live out your playlist: Immerse yourself in your favorite artists' music by attending music festivals! It’s also the best venue to discover new and emerging sounds beyond your playlist – make sure to keep your smartphone ready to capture the energy of your crew and share your most memorable moments with the rest of the world.

 

Rule your adventure with Smart’s Power All: Make the most out of your adventures with Smart’s Power All offers. Enjoy generous data allocation so you may share your adventures online anytime, anywhere in real time while keeping connected with friends and loved ones no matter where your journey takes you. Smart Prepaid’s Power All 99 offers 10 GB of data for all sites and apps, plus your choice of Unli access to Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger or Unli access to TikTok that you can enjoy for 7 days. This is complemented by Unli All Net Calls and Texts, covering all your connectivity needs.

 

For the Stay-in Squad

 

Discover and learn a new passion: Spending time indoors offer a fantastic opportunity to dive into online courses and tutorials. Anime enthusiasts can learn to build intricate Gunplas or craft impressive cosplay costumes. Homebodies can explore the satisfying art of soap-making, pottery, or embroidery, or simply learn basic home repair skills.

 

Start an online business: The break can be your chance to turn that spark of an idea into a thriving online venture. Explore if your passion can become a lucrative endeavor by setting up an online shop or trying your hand at the dynamic world of live-selling. With the power of the internet, the possibilities are truly endless.

 

Stream your favorite content: Catch up on your favorite content, series, or movies and take full advantage of the summer to recharge. You may also stream the ongoing NBA Eastern and Western Conference finals live and know more via smrt.ph/fb.nbalp. 

 

Boost your game: Improve your gaming skills, rank up, or try a new game online. Smart’s Power All is your ultimate companion for fast, reliable, lag-free, and seamless connectivity.

 

The Stay-in Squad may choose to use their mobile data at home for faster speeds, their own private connection, flexibility, and convenience without having to latch onto their home Wi-Fi to avoid the tendency of sharing bandwidth with other devices.

 

No matter which team you’re on, staying connected is key to sharing your memorable experiences. With Power All 99, enjoy Smart's strong nationwide mobile coverage and amazing promos.

 

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cool indoors, make this break your most amazing yet powered by Smart. #

Move Like Sarah G: Join TECNO CAMON 40’s ₱2M TikTok Dance Challenge!

 Take on the latest TECNO CAMON 40 Move Like Sarah G! challenge and dance your way to a PhP2-million prize pool, plus up to 40% in discounts during the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale. 

The dance challenge will take place on TikTok from May 24 to June 6, 2025. To join, follow @tecnomobilephilippines on TikTok, do the Sarah G CAMON 40 Flashsnap Dance, and post your moves with the hashtags #CAMON40MoveLikeSarahG #CAMON2MillionChallenge #TECNO66sale.

The video post should include a voice over about the challenge and the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale - "Move Like Sarah G! Have a Chance to Win Up to ₱2 Million Prize Pool & enjoy up to 40% Discounts during the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale!"

Dance & Win now! https://vt.tiktok.com/ZShKHjVYW/

Get boosted, get famous on TikTok!

The PhP2 million prize pool will consist of up to PhP1 million worth of TECNO smartphones and up to PhP1 million worth of cash & boost budget in the TikTok Brand Mission. Phone prizes will include but not limited to CAMON 40 Series, SPARK GO 1, SPARK 30C, SPARK 30, SPARK 30 Pro and SPARK 20 Pro. 

Under a TikTok branded mission, a "boost prize" refers to a cash payment awarded to creators whose videos are selected by a brand for use in their ad campaign. This payment is in addition to the boosted traffic the video receives. Essentially, creators get paid for their content being featured as an ad. 

 

The top-performing videos will be chosen by TECNO Mobile Philippines, based on the company’s judgement and discretion. All participants will grant their permission for their videos to be used for promotion. 

Winners will  receive a cash payment from TikTok, in addition to boosted traffic from the advertiser. “This dance challenge will help discover emerging talent. For our creators, it's also a chance to get paid for their videos and gain visibility,” said TECNO Mobile Philippines Marketing Manager, Nana Chen

CAMON 40 Series receive strong reception, show strong sales performance

 

Barely a month since CAMON 40 Series’ launch with popstar royalty Sarah G as brand ambassador, TECNO’s latest offering have received rave reviews and strong demand.

 

The CAMON 40 Series is well loved not only for the value-for-money price range, but also for the innovative features - FlashSnap, 4K video, camera performance, TECNO AI, selfie video stabilization, build quality, gaming performance, among others. 

 

The new CAMON 40 Series is TECNO’s latest flagship imaging product and most advanced AI smartphone. The three models (CAMON 40 Premier 5G, CAMON 40 Pro 5G, and CAMON 40) are equipped with cutting-edge AI imaging technology and practical AI features. 

Get your CAMON 40 phone at the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale!

 

Order your CAMON 40 phone at the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale and enjoy up to 40% in discounts.

 

The CAMON 40 Series’ regular prices range from PhP9,999 to PhP21,999 on TikTok, Shopee and Lazada. The CAMON 40 costs PhP9,999 while CAMON 40 Premier 5G has a tag price of P21,999 on all online platforms and retail shops. The CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8+256 is priced at P12,999 with 16GB RAM + 256GB ROM, and P14,999 with 24GB RAM +256GB ROM. 

 

CAMON 40 is available in glacier white and galaxy black colors. CAMON 40 Pro 5G is available in glacier white, galaxy black and emerald lake green colors. CAMON 40 Premier 5G is available in galaxy black and emerald lake green colors in the Philippines.

Why Sarah Geronimo Trusts URC Flour for Her Home Baking Creations

 

Baking is more than just cooking—it’s an experience best done at home and from the heart. There’s nothing quite like a fresh pastry or freshly baked bread kneaded with love. From a sweet batch of cookies to a rich, homemade pie, baking opens the door to endless culinary adventures.

For award-winning singer and baking expert Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, baking is a rewarding journey. “It was difficult at first,” she shares. “But after many attempts, I realized I could be good at it and bake for the people I love.” Like many others, she learned through trial and error by herself. As her interest grew, she enrolled at a culinary school and received her certification to become a pastry chef. 

The baking expert admits, “My first pastries weren’t great, but seeing the improvement was so fulfilling. I was overjoyed when I finally baked a soft bun!”

As her skills grew, so did Sarah’s list of favorite recipes. Her “absolute favorite” are chocolate cookies, which she makes for her friends and family. For special occasions, tres leches and plant-based goodies are on the menu.

Of course, great baking starts with great ingredients. Sarah emphasizes the importance of quality, saying, “You don’t want to shortchange your loved ones because you want the best for them, so choosing the right flour to create the best texture and flavors is a must. It helps bring out flavors and creates that perfect balance in your pastries.” That’s why Sarah trusts URC Flour for all her baking needs. “Discovering URC Flour was a game-changer. They offer everything I need for every kind of recipe!”

URC Flour offers a wide variety of flour options tailored to your baking needs. For cookies, biscuits, and wafers, flours like Sampaguita, My Rose, Cattleya, and Lilac deliver excellent results with great texture and flavor. If you’re baking cakes, Daisy is a fantastic low-protein flour that yields light, fluffy, and tender slices every time. For breadmaking, Globe and Blend 100 are excellent options for you.

Beyond pastries and sweets, URC also has options for savory dishes. Noodlelicious flour is perfect for making homemade pasta, while Oriental flour works wonderfully for lumpia wrappers and pancit dishes.

Aside from baking enthusiasts, URC Flour is also a top-quality choice for food businesses, ensuring that you can produce the best dishes and products at affordable prices, without compromising taste and texture.

Whatever you’re baking or cooking, URC Flour provides the quality and variety you need—all at an affordable price. And just like Sarah, choosing the right flour can elevate your baking experience, whether you’re making desserts or a savory dish that everyone will love.

For more information and recipe tips, like and follow URC Flour on Facebook.

Shop for a Cause: Segunda Mana Mega Bazaar 2025 Supports Youth Education and Sustainability

 Caritas Manila, the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, will host a Mega Bazaar through its donated goods program, Segunda Mana. The event encourages thrifty shoppers and sustainability advocates at the Segunda Mana Mega Bazaar 2025, happening from June 6 to 8, 2025, at Ayala Malls TriNoma, Level 4, Cinema Lobby.

The Segunda Mana Mega Bazaar 2025 offers shoppers a chance to explore a wide array of quality pre-owned and brand-new items—including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more—all generously donated by individuals, celebrities, and corporate partners. Every purchase supports Caritas Manila’s flagshipprogram, the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP), which helps send around 5,000 underprivileged Filipino youths to school.

In partnership with Caritas Margins, the event will also feature products from marginalized and micro-entrepreneurial communities. This collaboration transforms the Mega Bazaar into a celebration of both environmental sustainability and inclusive economic empowerment.

One of the event’s partners is PMG Philippines, a leading integrated marketing communications agency that supports the Mega Bazaar through event management and public relations efforts.

More than just a shopping event, the Segunda Mana Mega Bazaar promotes environmental responsibility by encouraging the reuse and repurposing of goods.

“Buying is the new way of giving,” said Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila.

The three-day event promises not only guilt-free shopping but also opportunities to learn more about the impactful work of Caritas Manila, a charitable organization operating since 1953.

Caritas Manila invites everyone to support this meaningful cause by shopping with a purpose. Donations of gently used items are also welcome and may be dropped off during the event.

For more information, visit www.caritasmanila.org.ph and follow Caritas Manila and Segunda Mana on Facebook and TikTok.

What It Means to Be a Filipino Dad Today: A Heartfelt Tribute

All dads are not the same. Some lead with quiet strength, others with humor and warmth. Some step into the role by blood, others by bond, circumstance, or choice. But no matter the path, one thing remains constant: they show up. And showing up isn’t just about being physically present—it’s about being there in the ways that matter most: offering support, guidance, provision, and encouragement.

This Father’s Day, LAC Philippines honors the everyday resilience, presence, and heart of Filipino fathers. Behind every quiet ride home, “hold the flashlight” moment, and silent passing of the remote on movie nights is a story of a man choosing to be there. Fatherhood is not a one-size-fits-all journey; it’s a lifelong promise shaped by love, grounded in purpose. LAC Philippines believes that every father’s journey deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

As Lived by the Ones Who Are Always There

Ryan Araña, a former PBA athlete with his wife and children

For Ryan Araña, fatherhood is the most fulfilling role he’s embraced, far greater than any championship or title from his years on the court. A former pro basketball player, Ryan now pours his energy into the everyday wins of family life with his wife, son, and daughter. Off the court, he stays active and involved, showing up not just as a provider but as a present and intentional dad, especially in the small, meaningful moments like family trips. “I want to age with my kids, not behind them,” Ryan shares. “That’s why I train for the future that I want to live with them,” a future powered by routine, rest, and the right wellness support.

Sphenzer Haskins with his family

For Sphenzer Haskins, ”fatherhood” came through love and necessity. After college, he naturally stepped into the role of a guiding presence for his siblings, supporting his single mom while building his career as a financial advisor and content creator. Embracing life’s responsibilities with quiet strength and optimism, he leads with purpose and balance—whether offering advice or making memories on trips with them. “It’s always better to enjoy your blessings with your family,” he reflects. “But you have to make sure you’re saving a little care for yourself, too.” Through it all, he stays grounded by self-care, knowing that nurturing others begins with nurturing oneself.

DJ Perez with Boochie and Dior 

Then there’s DJ Perez, whose story shows that fatherhood isn’t defined by who you raise, but how you love. As a Sales Director, DJ balances a dynamic career with life shared with his partner, Wisely, and their two dogs—Boochie the French Bulldog and Dior the Pomeranian. From global travels to late-night festivals, DJ’s lifestyle is fast and full of movement. “Staying healthy isn’t just a goal for me, it’s how I show up for the ones I love,” he shares. As a fur dad, DJ lives out fatherhood through everyday presence—daily walks, shared adventures, and quiet companionship. For him, showing up is love in motion.

Fueling the Strength Behind Every Role 

Because fatherhood requires strength in every form, LAC Philippines supports men with science-backed wellness tools that meet them where they are—on the court, in the office, at home, or on the trail.

LAC Wild O Maca is a vegetarian supplement formulated to support stamina, energy, and male vitality. Powered by Maca, Green Oats, and Sea Buckthorn, it helps dads stay physically sharp and emotionally steady. Taken once or twice a day, it supports endurance, mental focus, and stress resilience, so they can lead with strength and stay present for the ones they love.

LAC Activated Zhi® Energy, on the other hand, is a caffeine-free, on-the-go energy shot powered by Cordyceps, Lingzhi, and a vitamin-rich blend. Designed to fuel focus and endurance without the crash, it helps dads recharge for their work deadlines, gym sessions, errands, or playtime.

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate not just what dads do, but who they are, and who they’re becoming. Whether they’re raising kids, mentoring siblings, or caring for pets like family, their presence makes a difference. And their health is worth supporting for all the days they continue to show up.