Friday, April 10, 2026
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is strengthening its support for sari-sari stores through a technology-enabled direct-to-retail strategy designed to empower small retailers and improve access to products across communities.
Sari-sari stores remain a vital part of the Philippine retail landscape, serving as neighborhood hubs and sources of livelihood for millions of Filipino families. Recognizing their importance, PCPPI continues to place these micro-entrepreneurs at the center of its long-term business strategy.
According to PCPPI President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phyo Phyu Noe, the company is focused on utilizing a distribution model that allows sari-sari store owners to benefit directly from the company’s promotions, pricing programs, and service support.
“Every time our frontliners visit a sari-sari store, we make sure that they are getting the best prices,” Phyo said. “Technology helps us ensure that the discounts and promotions intended for sari-sari stores reach them directly.”
For many small retailers—many of whom are women entrepreneurs—sari-sari stores represent an important source of household income and economic resilience. By strengthening its direct engagement with these stores, PCPPI aims to help neighborhood retailers operate more efficiently and remain competitive in an evolving retail environment.
“We are very clear about our purpose. Our goal is to serve sari-sari stores and support the entrepreneurs behind them—not just today, but for many years to come,” Phyo added.
Delivering value in changing times
As Filipino consumers become more value-conscious amid economic headwinds, PCPPI is also strengthening efficiency across its operations to continue supporting sari-sari stores and the communities they serve.
“Affordability does not mean lowering standards,” Phyo said. “It means becoming more efficient so we can continue delivering quality products to Filipino consumers.”
With its technology-enabled, locally grounded distribution model, PCPPI aims to continue growing alongside the sari-sari stores that anchor communities across the Philippines.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.
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Manila, Philippines – 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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Food lovers and mallgoers have more reasons to look forward to every visit as the SM Foodcourt introduces exciting new dining concepts at SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela. With the arrival of Mandarin 360 and ChizMozza, shoppers can now enjoy a delicious mix of authentic Chinese cuisine and fun, cheesy snack creations, all in one vibrant dining destination.
Now serving at Level 4 of the SM City Grand Central Foodcourt, Mandarin 360 leads the lineup as a modern Chinese dining destination that brings authentic, family-friendly cuisine closer to everyday diners. Designed to make classic Chinese dishes more accessible and enjoyable, it offers a well-curated menu of crowd favorites, from comforting staples like dim sum and fried rice to its signature Braised Beef, slow-cooked to tender perfection and rich in flavor. Whether you are on a quick lunch break or gathering for a casual meal with family, Mandarin 360 delivers a complete and satisfying dining experience in the heart of the SM Foodcourt.
Complementing this savory selection is ChizMozza, a unique snack concept that brings a playful twist to the Filipino love for cheese. Known as the first fried mozzarella cheese stand in the Philippines, ChizMozza features bite-sized and stick-shaped mozzarella coated in a crispy, golden crust. Each piece delivers that signature stretch of 100 percent mozzarella cheese, making it a must-try treat for shoppers seeking something indulgent and shareable. ChizMozza is now available at the SM Foodcourt of both SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela, expanding its reach to more cheese lovers across the metro.
Together, these new tenants highlight SM Foodcourt as a dynamic culinary hub where variety, quality, and convenience come together. Whether it is a hearty meal, a quick snack, or a casual dining experience with loved ones, SM Foodcourt continues to elevate everyday dining for its guests.
Head over to SM Foodcourt at your most loved malls, SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela, and discover your next favorite flavors today.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Photo by Mayks Go.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—New music alert! Punk rock young blood Ligaya Escueta releases a new single titled June, a dreampop love song that sonically reiterates the ache of young romance in a soft, almost ethereal melody. The song is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Coming down from the high of her previous emotionally-charged album "Dollweb" (2025), Abigail Escueta, better known as her stage name, Ligaya Escueta, pulls yet the heartstrings of her listeners with the release of June.
“Love songs have always been hard for me to write. I just feel like so much has been said about love that it kind of feels so overwhelming to try to sum it up in a song,” shares the 19-year-old musician, expressing her difficulties creating such a vulnerable track. However, for June, Escueta remarks how fast the flow came naturally to her the moment the idea came to mind. “A lot of lyrics came easily to me. I got the choruses done quickly, but was only able to finish the verse lyrics in the car on the way to a gig, which is a funny story.”
Inspired by the transcendental gloom pop melodies of slow-guitar bands like Wisp and a generous dose from iconic shoegaze group Cocteau Twins, June was a product of Escueta's day-to-day reality and experiences as a young musician that embraces both the mundanity of being a student and the petuliant woes of admiration and feelings while having a heart like hers. But the teenage singer gives flowers to asian shoegaze bands as influences for the newly released track. “My influences for this song are Summer’s Gone by Honeydip and Feverfew by Megumi Acorda,” says Escueta. “I really love how you can get lost in the heaviness of their music, but still feel the emotion through the chord choices and lyrics as well.”
Production wise, June was made piece by piece: starting from the melody and then the lyrics started to eventually write itself, but what really got Escueta going was her creating the instrumentation, being the main person to arrange the tracks, and seeing it come to life. “My friend really liked the song too, and started jamming to it on bass one day at school - and that’s how we got the bassline of June,” she shares. The song continued to take shape as each of her bandmates added their own parts as they played the song live prior to its initial release. Eventually, The track was produced by Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad, long time mentor and music producer of Ligaya Escueta.
June by Ligaya Escueta is out now and is available for streaming everywhere. You can catch her live on April 9 at Mow’s for FUZZY 4EVER’s Scott Pilgrim night!
About Ligaya Escueta
Ligaya Escueta is an 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Manila, Philippines. She released her first song in 2020, then put out her debut album “Laughing In Milk” two years after.
In 2023, she was signed under Offshore Music Philippines and wrote and released the singles “Novelty”, “12 Steps”, and “Blue General, Come Home” under the label. Ligaya then put out her second album, Dollweb, on all streaming platforms in January 2025.
Moreover in the same year she released her sophomore album, the punk rock prodigy were invited amongst other Filipino musicians at the coveted South by South West (SXSW) Sydney where she performed her songs along with her bandmates on the global stage. Right after, Ligaya was featured on Youngstar PH, PhilStar’s youth-focused print section, describing her approach to punk as “deliberate” and “graceful”—adjectives one may not even think to associate with the genre, but those are what makes her definition of the style uniquely hers.
Ligaya has been performing at small gigs since she was 15, and has opened for many artists including Ely Buendia, The Itchyworms, and Grrrl Gang. Inspired by artists like Mitski, Radiohead, and Weezer, she writes catchy rock songs, exploring earsplitting sonic landscapes with diary-like lyricism.
Ligaya Escueta Socials
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32GPsNDIVdDvE2EX2GcVyT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ligaya-Escueta/100083005895770/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollshoesnicesocks/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dollshoesnicesocks?_t=8ipMR5kjvMn&_r=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ligayaescueta
Friday, April 3, 2026
Bring out those bunny ears and celebrate Easter in SM Supermalls around the country.
MANILA, Philippines, 27th March 2026 — This Easter, SM Supermalls transforms into a vibrant playground filled with egg hunts, parades, and colorful photo spots until April 5. Whether you’re bringing the kids or planning a fun day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy to the max.
Expect a full lineup of activities, from interactive games and creative workshops to lively performances, delivering a memorable Easter experience for families and friends alike.
After all the Easter fun (or even before you start), take a break and refuel with a satisfying group dining experience at these must-visit spots:
Simmer into richness at Ninepot (SM North EDSA, SM City Clark)
Gather around the table and enjoy authentic Taiwanese hotpot at Ninepot.
Perfect for group dining, Ninepot brings people together over warm, flavorful broths and customizable sets perfect for sharing.
Indulge in a timeless bowl at Mak’s Noodle (SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia)
Share a comforting bowl and good conversation at Mak’s Noodle.
Craving something comforting? Enjoy authentic Hong Kong noodles, known for their flavorful broth and signature thin egg noodles—ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal together.
Savor rustic Italian flavors at Osteria Antica (The Podium)
Make your Easter gathering extra special with a refined Italian feast at Osteria Antica.
For a more elevated group dining experience, treat the family to refined Italian dishes like the Pompano Al Forno—perfect for special Easter gatherings.
Enjoy steakhouse comfort at Mamou (The Podium, S Maison)
Indulge in perfectly cooked steaks and rich, satisfying sides at Mamou.
A go-to spot for group dining and special occasions, Mamou serves hearty steakhouse favorites best enjoyed with your loved ones.
Experience Japanese elegance at Hoshino Coffee (SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM City East Ortigas)
Slow down and savor quiet moments over coffee and desserts at Hoshino Coffee.
End the day with hand-brewed coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes that are perfect for relaxing and sharing sweet moments after a full day.
After a satisfying meal—or even before you start—make the most of your visit with these Easter activities:
Strike your best pose at the Bunny Photo Corner
Snap photos at vibrant Easter setups filled with pastel colors, bunny props, and playful backdrops—perfect for capturing fun family moments and colorful Easter memories.
Walk proudly at the Easter Runway Costume Contest
Dress your kids in their cutest Easter outfits and let them shine at the Easter Runway Costume Contest at SM Supermalls nationwide.
Dress up in your most creative Easter outfits—bunny ears and all—and strut your stuff at the Easter Runway Show. Kids and families can join in for a chance to win fun prizes.
Hop into the Easter Eggventure Game
Go on a digital egg hunt around select SM Supermalls, where hidden QR-coded eggs unlock points and exciting rewards through the Play at SM website. Make sure to explore every corner for a truly exciting adventure—it’s a fun, high-tech twist on a classic Easter tradition.
Unleash artistry at Easter Art Lab
Let kids get creative at the Easter Art Lab, where they can paint, craft, and bring home their own colorful creations—a fun keepsake from a full day of Easter fun.
March in the Easter Parade
Celebrate Easter with a full day of excitement, featuring fun-filled games, a creative costume contest, and amazing prizes.
Watch beloved Easter characters come to life in festive parades across select malls. Dance along, interact with mascots, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere as the whole family celebrates together.
Honor tradition with a meaningful Easter Blessing
For families who want to celebrate the deeper meaning of Easter, select malls will hold Easter Sunday Mass on April 5, offering a quiet moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
Whether you’re dining with loved ones, hunting for eggs, or enjoying a full day of activities, your most loved mall, SM Supermalls is the place to be this Easter. Don’t miss out—plan your visit and make it an Easter to remember.
About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.
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