On the Spotlight!

Purpose, compassion, and leadership took center stage as Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, President of Rising Tigers Magazine and co-founder of TAG Media Group, was presented as the Mrs. Universe Philippines Queen Ambassadress 2026 during the Grand Coronation Night on June 28, 2026, at The Tent City of The Manila Hotel. A respected media executive and advocate for positive change, Grace exemplifies the modern Filipina leader, one who uses her platform to inspire, educate, and make a meaningful difference in society.  As Queen Ambassadress, she carries forward her advocacies of Public Awareness and Animal Welfare, causes that have shaped her personal and professional journey. Believing that information empowers communities, Grace has dedicated much of her career to promoting public awareness through media and communications. Through the establishment of TAG Media and Public Relations, she has created platforms that deliver timely, relevant, and meaningful information, encouraging inform...

In photo: Mr. Sriranga Sampathkumar (Vice President and Global Head of Sales, Finacle) and Mr. Cecilio "Paul" D. San Pedro (President and CEO, Sterling Bank of Asia) Bangalore, India and Manila, Philippines – June 26, 2026: Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), a global leader in AI-first business consulting and technology services, and Sterling Bank of Asia (Sterling Bank), one of the most progressive banks in the Philippines, today announced the bank’s decision to select Infosys Finacle Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for its transformation program. Sterling Bank has opted to leverage the Finacle Core Banking, Finacle Customer Data Hub, Finacle Trade Finance, and Finacle Origination solutions for its requirements. Through this strategic collaboration with Infosys Finacle, Sterling Bank expects to enhance the experience of both employees and customers, maintain high standards of availability and re...

  Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) have officially sealed their partnership, marking the launch of a ₱5-billion Housing Retail Guarantee Facility. This collaboration combines the strengths of the public and private sector to broaden home financing access for Filipino families. From left to right: Teresito Cayo A. Butardo (SVP & Housing Guarantee Group Head, PhilGuarantee); Alberto E. Pascual (President & CEO, PhilGuarantee); Cecilio Paul San Pedro (President & CEO, Sterling Bank of Asia); and Candice P. Quianzon (SVP & Head of Real Estate Loans 1, Sterling Bank of Asia) A Strategic Vision for Greater Access PhilGuarantee President and CEO Alberto E. Pascual and SBA President and CEO Cecilio Paul San Pedro led the signing ceremony, highlighting institutional synergy and a shared vision for community impact. “In banking, partnerships matter. No single institution can address every challenge on its own. Bu...

Through SM Cares, SM Supermalls supported the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026 as part of its continuing commitment to youth empowerment, nation-building, and community service. In time for the start of classes, participating SM teams from its most-loved malls nationwide worked hand in hand with partner schools to help create learning environments that are cleaner, safer, and more inspiring for students and teachers. Guided by this year’s theme, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” SM employee-volunteers, together with school communities, local partners, teachers, parents, and volunteers, came together to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes. The volunteer activities included general cleaning of classrooms, corridors, and school grounds; repainting and repair of walls, furniture, and school facilities; minor repairs and carpentry work on doors, windows, desks, and chairs; landscaping and school garden care; school supply do...

7,500 SM employees, volunteers and partners mobilized for World Oceans Day 2026 to divert waste from the sea This World Oceans Day, SM Cares brought the SM Green Movement to shore, reminding communities that protecting the ocean begins long before waste reaches the sea. In celebration of World Oceans Day 2026 , SM Cares led coastal cleanup efforts under the banner “Empowering Communities for an SM Waste-Free Future,” mobilizing 7,500 employees, tenants, volunteers, partners, and local stakeholders to take part in shared action for cleaner coastlines and healthier marine ecosystems. 19,000 kilograms of trash was successfully diverted from the ocean 36% less than the previous year. The initiative formed part of SM Cares’ 2026 coastal cleanup calendar, which also includes World Water Day, International Coastal Cleanup, and National Environment Awareness Month. For World Oceans Day, participating SM malls included SM By the Bay and nine other SM Supermalls branches across communities w...

MANILA , Philippines, June 2026 - When more than 25,000 runners took over EDSA for the historic Galaxy Manila Marathon, they were not just participating in one of the country's biggest races. They were part of a growing movement that is transforming how Filipinos experience running. Galaxy Manila Marathon 42km gunstart on June 12, 2026 From record-setting marathons and major race series to inclusive community runs and pet-friendly events, SM Supermalls is emerging as one of the driving forces behind Philippine running. Through its expanding portfolio of race events and the SM Active Hub platform, SM continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to communities across the country. Runners took on the historic EDSA route, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, with the course passing SM Megamall and crossing the iconic Guadalupe Bridge before looping back to SM Mall of Asia The Galaxy Manila Marathon marked a defining moment in that journey. For the first time, par...