You Got This: Join Mindnation and Belle De Jour Power Planner In World Mental Health Movement

The momentous event is happening this October 20-23, 2023 at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong with panel discussions, workshops, and promos fit for individuals and teams!

Every October, mental health experts and advocates all over the world celebrate World Mental Health Month, with October 10 being World Mental Health Day. The theme for 2023, set by the World Health Organization, is “Mental health is a universal human right.” It serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and should not be stigmatized or neglected.

In a world where people often prioritize everything except mental health, it's time for change. MindNation and Belle De Jour Power Planner aim to raise awareness towards better well-being for all with its inaugural on-ground event, "You Got This! Creating Safe Spaces, Crafting Tomorrows." This event aims to celebrate World Mental Health Day, raise mental health awareness, and combat self-diagnosis.

Elderly Filipino Week - A tribute to Seniors at SM Supermalls

As the mall for all, SM aimed to celebrate our senior citizens this Elderly Filipino Week.

In celebration of Elderly Filipino Week last October 1 to 7, SM Cares, together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens and the SM Super Grannies Club, prepared a variety of fun activities and surprises for the elderly community to take part in and enjoy.

“Our senior citizens deserve to enjoy their golden years, spend their leisure time having fun within our malls, and make more memories with people they love. They need to engage in an active lifestyle that keeps them going, and above all, live life to the fullest as productive members of society,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Seniors Engr. Bien C. Mateo.

Protecting Peatlands with Sustainable Swamp Fishing

Peat swamp fish pond checking
 by Alam Siak Lestari (ASL)

The worsening impact of climate change is driving the Philippines to prioritize peatland conservation. In May 2023, House Bill 8204 was approved to help improve the sustainable management of peatlands, recognizing their significance as natural climate change solutions. Peatland ecosystems, characterized by the accumulation of decomposed plant materials, permanent waterlogging, and various vegetation, offer nature-based climate mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing more carbon than they release. 

In the Philippines, there are two major peatlands: Agusan Marsh in Agusan Del Sur and Leyte Sab-a Basin in the island of Leyte. 

BPCI shows support to PH soldiers through hospital visit

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) partnered once again with the Makati Medical Center (MMC) Foundation to deliver joy and positive energy at V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City.

On August 17, around a hundred injured soldiers spent time with Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson, and Bb. Pilipinas 2023 2nd runner-up Atasha Reign Parani in an activity-filled afternoon at the hospital auditorium.

SNAP-Magat backs Brigada Eskwela 2023

SNAP-Magat employee volunteers fix broken fans in public schools in Ramon, Isabela in support of DepEd's 2023 Brigada Eskwela.

In support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela (BE) program, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) participated in a series of school maintenance activities in the municipalities of Ramon, Isabela and Alfonso Lista in Ifugao

SNAP-Magat provided electrical fixtures and wirings, galvanized iron sheets, roof and wall repainting materials to Ambatali Elementary School and Gen. Aguinaldo Elementary School in Ramon, Isabela, and Sto. Domingo Elementary School in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; while Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo National High School in Ramon, Isabela received solar panels earlier this year that the company will supervise during the installation. 

15 SM malls partner with the DENR and LGUs in mobilizing coastal clean-ups in 12 sites nationwide.

 SM targets biggest haul on International Coastal Cleanup Day with more malls nationwide

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, together with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is gearing up to gather the biggest haul of trash and marine debris at this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2023, at SM By the BAY and at multiple SM Malls across the country.

SM’s expanded participation – 15 SM malls in 12 locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – will enable more volunteers and employees to join the cleanup drive to help safeguard the marine environment and its resources in the communities it serves.

Breaking the Cycle

A Call to End Sexual Abuse in Philippine Education

When I first started researching sexual abuse in Philippine schools, I didn't expect to find much information. But as I delved deeper, I was shocked by the sheer number of stories and reports circulating about this issue. It's disheartening to think that our schools, which should be safe spaces for learning and growth, have become sites of sexual abuse and harassment.

Let's take a step back and understand the root causes