Rider, sweet lover: road safety tips for you and your O.B.R.

Riding with your O.B.R. (official back rider) is one of the best ways to share the road and make memories together—but safety should always come first. A smooth, secure ride is not just about skill; it’s about responsibility, awareness, and proper preparation.

As part of its commitment to road safety and responsible riding, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA)—through its “Tropang MAALAM” campaign—reminds all riders that the key to a safe and enjoyable trip with a passenger starts with the right habits. Whether it’s a short city ride or a long road trip, knowing how to properly accommodate and protect your O.B.R. is a must.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to making every ride with your back rider safe, comfortable, and worry-free.

SM Supermalls’ ‘Trash to Cash’ initiative empowers communities to build a waste-free future

Over 12 million kilos of recyclables collected in 2024.

Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.

Bringing Light and Hope: SM Cares Partners with Global Peace Foundation to Empower Sustainable Communities

A united commitment for brighter communities!  Jocelyn Remigio, Program Director for Community Development of Global Peace Foundation, Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, together with Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Engr. Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, join hands to formalize the partnership for the All Lights Village project. This collaboration brings sustainable energy solutions and community empowerment to underserved areas, illuminating lives one village at a time.

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has joined hands with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to support the transformative All Lights Village project. This partnership was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 14, 2025, at the SM Prime Headquarters, marking another significant step forward in promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities in off-grid areas.

Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.  

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

MDPPA records 7% increase in motorcycle sales for 2024, eyes 5% growth for 2025

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), a consortium of four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and its newest member, TVS Philippines, has reported a 7% increase in motorcycle sales for 2024.

The total wholesale sales recorded by MDPPA members reached 1,682,482 units in 2024, marking the highest sales figure in the past five years. This is a significant rise compared to 1,577,597 units sold in 2023. In comparison, motorcycle sales in 2022 and 2021 were 1,564,827 units and 1,435,677 units, respectively. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, MDPPA’s total sales were around 1.2 million units. The 2019 sales figure remains a peak year, with 1.7 million units sold.

“Despite ongoing challenges in the industry, MDPPA is pleased to share that the 7% growth achieved in 2024 is the highest among our ASEAN neighbors,” Alex Cumpas, President of MDPPA, noted. “Indonesia and Malaysia experienced a growth of 2%, while others within the region recorded minimal growth numbers. We are hopeful that the golden years of 2019, when we recorded sales of 1.7 million units, could be surpassed this year in 2025.”

Basic maneuvers to master for safer rides

Motorcycle riding is more than just an adrenaline rush; it’s about skill, precision, and most importantly, safety. Every rider knows that the key to staying safe lies in mastering essential maneuvers - and it doesn’t have to be complicated! 

Here’s a quick and easy way to remember these lifesaving techniques: Every maneuver boils down to three simple steps. Practice these, and you’ll feel more confident every time you hit the road. 

Emergency braking: every second counts

Stopping safely in a pinch is a critical skill. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or Non-ABS, the key is to apply the right technique for the situation.

If your bike is equipped with ABS, you don’t need to worry about wheel lock-up, even if you brake hard. ABS will automatically adjust braking force to prevent the wheels from locking, giving you better control in emergency situations. You can apply the brakes firmly and quickly without fear of losing grip.

Former US VP Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project Launch the REALITY® Tour in Paris with global in-person trainings and online experience using AI to drive climate action planet-wide.

Former US Vice President and The Climate Reality Project Founder Al Gore during one of the Climate Reality trainings in 2024. 

The Climate Reality Project, founded by former US Vice President Al Gore, is launching the REALITY® Tour to drive political will and public momentum for bold climate action ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Climate Reality branch offices will host one-day trainings to expand local climate advocacy beyond global events. Trainings are set for March 29 in Brazil, Canada, the Philippines, and South Africa, and April 5 in Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico. 

Attendees of the in-person global and local trainings will become a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps and join the global Climate Reality movement of over 3.8 million supporters worldwide. 

The Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit climate organization founded by former US Vice President Al Gore, is launching the REALITY Tour to build the political will, public momentum, and ambition for bold climate commitments leading up to the UNFCCC’s COP 30 in Brazil.