DENR cites SM for group-wide efforts on plastic recovery and waste management

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognized the SM Group for its support of the Extended Producer Responsibility Program (EPR) that aimed to reduce plastic use, recover plastic packaging, and strengthen on-ground waste systems across its diverse business units.

(From left to right) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Atty. Jonas Leones; DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla; SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Waste Management and Sustainability Solutions and SM GUUN President George Cheung; SM Investments Corporation Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability Timothy Daniels; SM Retail, Inc. Vice President for Sustainability Suyin Liu; Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) President Engr. Jess G. Reyes; DENR Assistant Secretary for Environment and concurrent Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Jacqueline A. Caancan.

In a recently concluded event on January 30, 2026, the DENR cited SM’s coordinated group approach that went beyond compliance under Republic Act No. 11898, also known as the EPR Law of 2022, particularly in ‘advancing recovery, reduction, innovation, and inclusive circular economy practices that support the national Zero Waste to Nature agenda.’

“This award is a credit to every part of the SM group, and we're very grateful to receive it. From our retail business, to our banks and logistics companies, they have been reducing their plastic footprints in their packaging and influencing consumer behavior to use less plastic,” said SM Investments Corporation Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability Timothy Daniels.

SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through its #SMWasteFreeFuture project, has partnered with Japanese waste processing firm Guun Co., Ltd to convert waste back into new materials at their first waste processing factory in Consolacion, Cebu.

To further enhance the development of waste conversion, SM has installed RDC-labeled (recyclable, disposable, compostable) bins across various SM properties nationwide. Recyclables, such as bottles, cans, and paper, are sorted and sent to their respective recycling plants. Meanwhile, disposables such as cups, straws, and rags are converted into replacement fuel for cement kilns. Compostables, or food scraps, are converted to landscaping soil within 48 hours.

“GUUN is a collaboration across the Group that ensures consumption or waste is not the end of the economic cycle,” said SM GUUN President George Cheung who is also concurrently SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Waste Management and Sustainability Solutions.

The #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign consolidates various initiatives across SM’s ecosystem of businesses into a centralized system, communicating its commitment to environmental stewardship and championing sustainable communities.

Under this initiative, other SM companies, such as SM Supermalls continue to lead with its long-running Trash-to-Cash (TTC) monthly recycling market held in SM malls nationwide, where customers can exchange recyclables such as paper, plastic, metal or even appliances for cash. TTC facilitates the exchange of over 1.5 million kilograms of recyclables every year. Customers can also find the E-Waste Collection bins in Cyberzone areas and the Plastic Waste Collection vans in 15 malls.

In addition, SM Markets, the SM Group’s umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore, has ushered in greener retail practices in encouraging the use of eco-bags over single-use plastics since 2007. In 2025 alone, SM Markets sold 20.8 million Green Bags, equivalent to around 31.2 million plastic bags avoided.

“When we look at plastics, which is a significant problem in the Philippines, we have looked to take quite a range of actions across the group. But what they have in common is that they are very practical, they are commercially viable initiatives, and they all have actual meaningful differences that we make to the plastics problem,” said Mr. Daniels.

SB19 turns frustration into fire with era-defining anthem “VISA”

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The P-Pop trailblazers raise the stakes with a song that channels global ambition and systemic frustration into a rallying cry for change



 SB19 marks a watershed moment in P-Pop with the release of “VISA,” their first official single of 2026 and the bold follow-up to the Simula At Wakas era. Delivering a more confident and uncompromising approach in artistic direction, SB19’s “VISA” tackles socially relevant themes that stand as both a prologue and a promise: an assertion that the new musical era will not only entertain, but also dare to challenge, provoke, and shake up comfort for conviction.

[LISTEN TO “VISA” HERE]

Their brand-new song confronts the lived realities of Filipinos striving to shift culture and build a life of security and stability for their families. It channels the frustrations of overseas Filipino workers, athletes, creatives, and professionals, who dedicate their hard work and talent to representing the Philippines, only to be met with systemic barriers that hinder their goal and recognition. Through piercing lyricism that confronts as it wounds, the five-piece powerhouse “calls out the invisible cages that restrict opportunities” on their brand-new track, emphasizing the irony of a people celebrated for their resilience yet burdened by bureaucratic inequities.

“This release will really define SB19’s sound, personality, and the way we present ourselves,” Stell admits. “We have always been known for being vocal, but this time it is even stronger. We are addressing sensitive and current topics that people can relate to, even if not everyone agrees with us. We are ready to face any reaction. This release is very powerful and a strong way to start the year and introduce this new era."

Inspired in part by real-world events and ongoing conversations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents, SB19’s latest single also serves as a commentary on access and privilege, on the disparity between global contribution and mobility. By centering these themes with a more defined perspective, SB19 transforms personal and collective frustrations into an anthem of awareness, and, to an extent, resistance.

“We were very affected by visa applications during our tour,” Pablo reveals. “SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas. This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level."

Josh echoes the familiar frustration, sharing parallels with the struggles of athletes who train and work hard to compete abroad and make Filipinos proud. "I have always had this dream during our tour, as someone who represents the Philippines all over the world. I have also seen the struggles of athletes when they represent the country. They give so much for the Philippines, but it often feels like the country does not give back. There needs to be a change."

Justin chimes in on the ongoing issue while highlighting the intentional messaging of the track. "We are highly skilled and hardworking, and we’ve significantly contributed to raising the morale of Filipinos abroad, as well as impacting the economy in positive ways. But somehow, it often feels like we are at the end of the line.”

Musically, “VISA” mirrors its thematic tension with bold, unconventional production and brass sounds. Conceived from a melody Pablo imagined in one of their brand campaign shoots, the track fuses satire, personal experience, and commentary with sonic experimentation.

Ken explains, "This song is very unconventional and unorthodox. The instruments are not the usual ones, especially the melody. It is kind of unusual, but in a good way. The melody is impactful, and the instruments we used in the track are well chosen. The percussions, ad-libs, and other elements are perfectly placed, making it a very pleasing experience for the ears."

SB19’s “VISA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official/

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

 

The must-have AC upgrade of 2026 has arrived with Midea Chione Inverter Series

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Every beginning of a year is a chance to reset, not just your life goals, but also your space. It’s the perfect time to give your home an upgrade that can truly transform how you relax, recharge, and spend time with the people who matter most.

Elevate your everyday living with the Midea Chione Inverter Series, a next-generation line of air conditioners that redefines comfort through advanced AI technology. Engineered to last in every season, the Midea Chione Series comes in two variations, high-wall and floor standing, both designed for smart cooling that intelligently adapts to your lifestyle, delivering an all-in-one solution for every space.

Smart Cooling for All-in-One Comfort

Every family deserves a home that feels comfortable all year round. With Midea Chione High Wall Split-Type Air Conditioner, every room can become a haven of comfort, turning moments from cozy mornings to family dinners into something extra special. Coming in 1.0 HP to 3.0 HP models, its PrimeGuard Hyper Grapfins provide 12.5x more corrosion resistance than blue-coated fins, ensuring all-weather comfort while keeping your air conditioner efficient and long-lasting.

What’s even cooler is that it is powered by Smart Control + AI Ecomaster, which allows you to adjust the temperature anytime, anywhere, while intelligently managing energy consumption, while its AI Humidity Control helps maintain balanced moisture levels, delivering healthier air quality throughout your home.

Smart Cooling for Bigger Spaces

Upgrading to a bigger space but unsure if your current AC can keep up? The 3.0 HP Midea Chione Inverter Floor Standing Split-Type Air Conditioner has you covered. Designed for residential and commercial spaces, this compact variant is suitable for cooling areas of up to 47 square meters, such as bedrooms, study rooms, lounge areas, restaurants, coffee shops, and working spaces, among others. It delivers Powerful Cooling for long-distance and wide-angle airflow reaching up to 10.8 meters with 100 wind-speed settings to cool every corner of your room.

The system also guarantees long-term performance with its PrimeGuard Golden Fins to protect the unit against corrosion.  It's also equipped with Wi-Fi Control for a more personalized, convenient, and smart cooling experience in any space. And need not worry about your electricity bill because it has Eco Mode to manage your consumption.

This year, upgrading is more than just spending more; it is investing in comfort. Elevate your space and everyday moments with the new Midea Chione Inverter Series and step into a new era of smart cooling that goes beyond performance, savings, convenience, and style. To learn more about Midea Chione Series, visit www.midea.com/ph, follow @midea_philippines on Instagram and on TikTok @mideaphilippines, subscribe to Midea Philippines Official on YouTube, and like @MideaPhilippines on Facebook.

Lenten Specials now available at The Manila Hotel

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THE Manila Hotel welcomes guests to gather over meat-free, comforting dishes thoughtfully prepared for this Lenten season. 

Across its dining outlets, a selection of Lenten specialties joins the hotel’s well-loved vegan and vegetarian offerings, creating menus that feel both meaningful and satisfying.

At the Lobby Lounge, the Lenten menu leans into bright flavors and wholesome comfort. 

Guests can try the Spring Citrus Salad, a refreshing mix of mesclun greens, orange and pomelo in olive oil-raspberry dressing, or the Green Lentil Soup infused with fresh herb pistou.

Heartier options include Linguine in Walnut Sauce with cherry tomato and fresh basil, White Cheese and Spinach Pizza with roasted garlic and ricotta, and Tandoori Pompano served with tomato-cucumber salad and freshly baked naan.

MEAT-FREE OFFERS 

The Manila Hotel offers meat-free, comforting dishes this Lenten season across its dining outlets. Photo shows the Buddha Salad Bowl at the Lobby Lounge. 

Beyond these Lenten specials, the hotel continues to offer an extensive selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes year-round from salads to vegetable entrees and meat-free dishes, reflecting its commitment to inclusive and mindful dining.

For plant-based diners, the vegan a la carte menu at Lobby Lounge and In-Room Dining offers comforting favorites with a wholesome twist.

For those seeking a more refined culinary journey, Champagne Room presents its Vegan Degustation menu, a multicourse dining experience that evolves monthly.

At Red Jade, the Vegetarian Set Menu brings the classic Chinese flavors to the forefront. Meanwhile, M Takeout completes the meat-free offerings with well-balanced solo meals, comforting rice and noodle bowls with its vegan options.

PHOTOS FROM THE MANILA HOTEL

A fresh sound for 2026: Christian Bautista releases city pop-inspired anthem “Sa’yo Lamang”

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Celebrated as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista embraces his signature romantic charm while exploring a fresh sonic direction—pairing nostalgic pop glow with a stylish, contemporary edge.

In “Sa’yo Lamang,” his new single under Sony Music Entertainment, Bautista embraces the romantic love song template with renewed confidence, pairing its feel-good energy with sophisticated production and city pop grooves. Imagine the neon glow of ‘80s Tokyo at twilight, yet the atmosphere feels distinctly Pinoy in its comforting glory. That’s how it sounds.

“Sa’yo Lamang captures exactly where I am musically and emotionally: fully committed, joyful, and ready to connect,” shares the award-winning OPM icon. “This year I’m all in. I want listeners to feel uplifted, have fun, and start the year with good energy.”

Produced by Ziv, the track benefits from its intentional marriage of global and local flavors, past and present sounds, and the insistence of not wanting to be easily defined or pinned down. From slick arrangements to meticulous production, Ziv’s instincts for groove—particularly in the drum pattern and basslines—anchor the track’s smooth, vintage edge while allowing Bautista’s vocals to shine and charm their way through the listeners.

Christian Bautista describes his collaboration with Ziv as a game-changing experience. “His attention to detail in sound design and vocal production elevated every element, while his clear vision and collaborative approach pushed us to take creative risks. The process was smooth and professional from start to finish, and his contributions shaped a final mix that truly exceeded our expectations.”

The vibrant personality of “Sa’yo Lamang” seamlessly translates into its upcoming music video, which incorporates smooth retro styling, warm neon tones, and playful choreography. Designed to be a joyful night out, the MV captures intimate singing moments, carefree dancing, and lilting city snapshots that somehow mirror the easygoing vibe of the track. “There’s also a small Easter egg hidden in the karaoke machine: make sure you look for that,” Bautista adds.

The music video is directed by Tristan Ortega and conceptualized in collaboration with the Sony Music Philippines team and Balcony Productions, with creative direction by Rico Blanco.

As Bautista steps into a new era, music fans can look forward to celebrating the moment live. He is set to share the stage with Mark Bautista for an exciting night of timeless hits and exciting new music. Dubbed “Bautista x Bautista,” the concert is set to take place on March 6, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets are available via ticketnet.com.ph.