On the Spotlight!

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia emphasized that the poll body continues to prepare for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) based on the law currently in effect. Speaking to the media at the COMELEC Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, on September 18, Garcia said the decision on whether the BSKE will proceed or be postponed does not rest with COMELEC, but with Congress. Garcia explained that, as of September 18, the elections were still scheduled for November 2, prompting COMELEC to continue its preparations. At the level of 1 to 10, we are already at 9 in terms of preparation - Chairman Garcia He stressed that COMELEC’s actions are guided by the law in force each day. While the poll body must prepare for the scheduled elections, Garcia said those preparations would immediately stop if Congress enacted a new law changing the election schedule or fixing the terms.   For COMELEC, the message is clear: prepare according t...

Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers. Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, new formats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love.  Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone: The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours As a staple in daily snacking moments of Pinoys, Piattos is widely loved for its signature hexagon shape, satisfying crunch, and classic fla...

MIBF 2026 — September 10, 2026 Rising Tigers Magazine successfully hosted an exclusive magazine signing at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2026 , held at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Organized in collaboration with National Book Store (NBS), the event brought together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to celebrate female leadership and resilience. Leading the showcase was Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, COO, and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine. An engineer and serial entrepreneur, she continues to champion emerging business leaders and foster entrepreneurial growth across Southeast Asia through high-impact media and strategic civic leadership. https://youtu.be/GraGeZfCLew The event featured dynamic icons highlighted in the latest issue, including:   •              Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, President and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc., who transitioned from a young respiratory therapis...

  Manila, Philippines – As rising costs make Filipinos more intentional about where they spend, skincare choices are also becoming more deliberate—with consumers looking for products they can trust to support their skin health long-term. Rather than a cosmetic luxury, skincare is increasingly viewed now as an essential for personal wellness. However, navigating physical retail aisles and online platforms presents challenges, as buyers face competing claims, complex scientific jargon, and a constant influx of new ingredients. This demand for clarity and science-backed solutions anchored the 8th annual National Healthy Skin Mission at SM Makati, organized by skincare brand Cetaphil in partnership with premier retailer Watsons and SM Beauty around this year's core message: "Healthy Skin Deserves No Compromise". The initiative provides consumers with direct access to clinically tested products tailored to specific skin needs. “We see firsthand how the skincare landsca...

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life. One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) , together with SM Supermalls , officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026 , the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura . A Journey to Negros—Without Booking a Flight! One of the media launch’s most evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone ...