Ballet Manila brings back global ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in La Bayadère

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Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's La Bayadere

Two of the world’s most celebrated ballet artists will once again step onto the Philippine stage to give Filipino audiences a glimpse of their extraordinary and world-renowned artistry, passion and technical brilliance.

This August, Ballet Manila brings back ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, principal dancers of the Mariinsky Ballet, to breathe new life into the timeless classic, La Bayadère happening at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM, and on August 15 and 16 at 5PM.

Notably, their return solidifies Ballet Manila’s long-standing mission of bringing world-class ballet closer to the Filipino audiences, giving local theatergoers a rare chance to witness internationally celebrated performers in the country.

“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” exclaimed Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder and artistic director. She recalls with pride last year’s successful run of Don Quixote which starred the formidable duo. “Their performances in Don Quixote were truly unforgettable, and the response from Filipino audiences was overwhelming. It was a delight to see our audiences embrace them so warmly, and I know many have been looking forward to seeing them perform here again.”

Kim and Shakirova bring exceptional credentials to the production. Shakirova, whose extraordinary talent was recognized early on, is already a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Benois de la Danse award – touted as the “Ballet Oscar.” The Tashkent, Uzbekistan-native is highly regarded for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding presence; thus, establishing herself as one of the Mariinsky’s top prima ballerinas.

Conversely, Kim started ballet relatively late – at around 10 years old – but made his mark as the first foreign male principal dancer in the Mariinsky Ballet’s history. He is also highly acclaimed worldwide for his remarkable athleticism and precise technique. As a pair, they are just as impressive having won the Russia-Kultura TV’s Grand Ballet competition in 2016.

The couple are no strangers to La Bayadère, one of the celebrated masterpieces in ballet. Set in ancient India, the story follows the tragic love story of the temple dancer (bayadère) Nikiya and the warrior Solor. The High Brahmin (high priest), who is also in love with Nikiya, learns of her relationship with Solor and asks the Rajah to kill Solor. But his plan backfires when the Rajah orders Nikiya to be killed instead. The classic melodramatic love triangle spans both the mortal world and afterlife.

At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly performs the role of the noble warrior Solor, while Shakirova has portrayed both the Nikya and the regal Gamzatti, highlighting her versatility that has earned her international acclaim.

“Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipinos audiences a moving and authentic interpretation of Marius Petipa’s enduring masterpiece. We hope that by the end of the show, the audience will have a renewed love for ballet,” concluded Lisa Macuja Elizalde.

Stay up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

WalterMart Supports the Love for Learning with Brigada Eskwela 2026

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WalterMart recently concluded its participation in this year's Brigada Eskwela, joining the Department of Education's nationwide initiative to prepare public schools for the new academic year. Through customer contributions, employee volunteerism, and education assistance for its employees, the company reinforced its long-standing commitment to education across the communities it serves.

WalterMart's support for Brigada Eskwela began in 2010 as a simple volunteer cleaning drive in a handful of partner schools. It expanded in 2021 to include the distribution of school kits, growing into a mall-wide campaign that now supports over 1,100 schools and 30,000 students nationwide. This year's campaign was held in partnership with 150 schools across North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila.

Grade 1 students from Calicanto, Bolbok, and Sta. Rita Elementary School receive school kits from WalterMart Batangas during this year's Brigada Eskwela distribution.

WalterMart San Jose employees hand out school kits to Malasin Elementary School students this Brigada Eskwela.

School kits were distributed this year through mall-led and community-based events with partner schools, providing each Grade 1 student a kit made possible by customer support, with additional contributions from partner brands Nagaraya, CDO, Nissin, Presto, Alaska Milk, Similac, Monde Nissin, and Surf. As a gesture of appreciation, customers received a Brigada Eskwela Thank You Card with exclusive vouchers from WalterMart Supermarket, WalterMart Department Store, World of Fun, and Fun Time.

WalterMart employees join clean-up activities at Mamandil Elementary School, part of WalterMart Talavera's support for this year's Brigada Eskwela.

WalterMart teams also led school clean-up activities across partner communities, working alongside teachers, parents, and volunteers to prepare classrooms ahead of the school year, with cleaning supplies provided by partner brands Zonrox, Mortein, and Domex. WalterMart also installed pedestrian crossing signages, "Happy Back to School" signages, and safety bollards in participating schools for a safer return to class.

These are just some of the many ways WalterMart supports the community through education, alongside the everyday service it provides through its Supermarket bringing fresh grocery essentials to every household, its Community Malls offering spaces for good food and good times, its Department Store helping every Filipino look and feel their best, and its Grocery Delivery bringing the supermarket closer to home.

Jollibee celebrates Filipino fandom with exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles

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Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI.

Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard.

"At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Every visit becomes an opportunity to discover a new collectible, celebrate their favorite member, and create moments worth sharing with fellow BLOOMs. We hope this campaign brings even more joy as fans collect, trade, and complete their JolliBINI collection together."

Customers can enjoy two bundle options during the promotional period. The JolliBINI Bundle A, starting at ₱269, includes a choice of an Original or Special Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a regular drink, and one random JolliBINI Collectible Set consisting of a Bag Charm and Photocard. Meanwhile, the JolliBINI Bundle B, starting at ₱399, comes with a choice of an Original or Special Double Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a large drink, and two random JolliBINI Collectible Sets.

By pairing exclusive collectibles with Jollibee's iconic menu favorites, the latest Jollibee and BINI collaboration transforms every meal into an exciting unboxing experience that fans can enjoy and share.

The launch is expected to spark another wave of online excitement, with BLOOMs sharing unboxing videos, collection reveals, photocard trades, and bag charm styling across social media as they race to complete the full JolliBINI collection and find the coveted Special Group Photocard.

The JolliBINI Bundles will be available in all Jollibee stores nationwide from July 15 to August 31 for dine-in and takeout.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

Leading the Way: Forest Lake records historic ₱5.5 billion sales and sustains strong financial growth in 2025

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Forest Lake Development Inc., the Philippines' leading memorial park developer with Total Memorial Care, achieved another milestone year in 2025 after recording a historic ₱5.5 billion in sales production—the highest in the company's nearly three-decade history and a 45% increase from the ₱3.8 billion recorded in 2024.

Built on nearly three decades of trust from Filipino families, strategic investments, operational excellence, innovation, and compassionate service, Forest Lake's record performance is a testament to the growing demand for accessible and comprehensive memorial care solutions across the country.

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Bauang, La Union

Be captivated by the winding road amid the vibrant greenery of Forest Lake Memorial Park, Bauang

Beyond its financial achievements, the company proudly stays true to its promise of creating “A Better Place” for Filipino families through the expansion of its Total Memorial Care offerings, and by consistently making quality memorial services more accessible nationwide.

"2025 was a landmark year for Forest Lake. Our record-breaking ₱5.5 billion sales production, combined with strong revenue and profit growth, reflects the trust that Filipino families continue to place in our brand and the dedication of our people," said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc.

Forest Lake's record sales translated into equally strong financial results, reinforcing the company’s position as one of the country’s leading memorial providers. Its strong performance was reflected across key financial indicators, including revenue, profitability, liquidity, and shareholder’s equity.

Aside from the milestone ₱5.5 billion sales, total revenue likewise grew by 20% to ₱3.26 billion, up from ₱2.72 billion in 2024, continuing the company's sustained average annual revenue growth of approximately 20% since 2020–a testament to the company’s long-term business strategy and the growing trust of Filipino families nationwide.

Moreover, net income before tax also increased by 20% to ₱789 million, compared to ₱660 million a year earlier. Forest Lake also strengthened its financial position with total equity rising to ₱2.66 billion from ₱1.90 billion, while cash and cash equivalents surged by 121%, providing greater liquidity and financial flexibility to support future investments.

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Koronadal

A peaceful sanctuary with lush greenery and stunning views, perfect for reflection and

remembrance.

Meanwhile, the company's ₱3.55 billion in land and land development assets reflects its long-term commitment to nationwide expansion and service excellence.

"The strength of our financial performance enables us to continue investing in expansion, innovation, and Total Memorial Care services that address the evolving needs of the families we serve," Xerez-Burgos III added.

Further strengthening its growth trajectory, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved Forest Lake's increase in authorized capital stock from ₱1 billion to ₱4 billion, which enhances the company’s capacity to pursue new memorial park developments, expand memorial chapels and Total Memorial Care facilities, invest in technology and digital transformation initiatives, and develop innovations that improve customer experience.

Combined with the company's strong retained earnings and growing equity base, the increased capitalization provides Forest Lake with a solid financial foundation for more developments in the years ahead.

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Legazpi Albay

Nestled against the majestic Mayon Volcano, Forest Lake Memorial Park in Legazpi 

offers a serene and breathtaking backdrop for reflection.

Chairman Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr. echoed this commitment: "Forest Lake's continued growth demonstrates the resilience of our business model and the enduring trust of our customers. Our strong financial foundation positions us well for the next phase of expansion."

He added, "The milestones we achieved in 2025 are not only indicators of business success but also of our continued ability to create long-term value for families, communities, employees, and stakeholders."

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Davao

Experience tranquility at Forest Lake Memorial Park in Davao, 

surrounded by natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Digos, Davao Del Sur

The stunning facade of Forest Lake Memorial Park in Digos, welcoming you with elegance and serenity

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan

The beautiful entrance of Forest Lake Memorial Park in Pozzorubio, 

invites visitors to reflect on cherished memories amidst a peaceful setting.

Beyond its financial success, Forest Lake continues its transformation from the country’s leading memorial park developer into a comprehensive Total Memorial Care provider, offering integrated memorial solutions that provide Filipino families with compassionate support before, during, and after their time of need.

Its growing portfolio now includes memorial parks, memorial chapels, cremation services, columbarium developments, interment services, “Libre Burol / Libre Haya,” and “Libing Anywhere.”

Today, Forest Lake operates 42 memorial parks nationwide, and is supported by a network of 41 accredited funeral home partners, enabling the company to deliver Total Memorial Care—including Libre Burol services—to more families across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

For more information, visit www.forestlakeparks.com or follow Forest Lake on Facebook (@ForestLakeMemorialParks) and Instagram (@forestlakememorialparks).

 Forest Lake Memorial Park, San Juan, La Union

A place of eternal peace amidst nature's beauty

Forest Lake Memorial Park Chapel, Zamboanga

A serene chapel nestled among swaying palm trees.

Forest Lake Memorial Park, Zamboanga

Explore the beauty of Forest Lake Memorial Park from above, where trees sway gently 

and open grass invites peaceful contemplation.

Forest Lake operates 42 memorial parks nationwide, and is supported 

by a network of 41 accredited funeral home partners.

Forest Lake Development Inc.

For nearly three decades, Forest Lake Development Inc. has established itself as the Philippines' leading memorial park developer, providing thoughtfully designed, family-friendly memorial parks throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. More than places of remembrance, Forest Lake parks serve as peaceful spaces where families gather, connect, and celebrate the memories of their loved ones.

With 42 memorial parks nationwide, Forest Lake continues to expand its offerings beyond memorial park development through its Total Memorial Care solutions, including memorial chapels, cremation services, columbariums, interment services, Libre Burol, and Libing Anywhere. This growth reflects the company's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Filipino families with compassion, convenience, and care.

Guided by its mission to create "A Better Place," Forest Lake upholds the values of personalized service, value creation, teamwork, innovation and creativity, and professionalism. Through continuous innovation, customer-centered service, and thoughtful development, Forest Lake remains committed to creating long-term value for families, partners, investors, and the communities it serves.

Forest Lake Memorial Parks is headquartered on the third floor of Alexcy One Building, 51 President's Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City. For more information, email info@forestlakeparks.com or visit forestlakeparks.com. Follow Forest Lake on Facebook @ForestLakeMemorialParks and Instagram @forestlakememorialparks.

Forest Lake continues its vision of providing spaces where the memories of loved ones are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.

EastWest Champions Filipino Teachers at 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards

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East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) proudly stood alongside Filipino educators as the exclusive bank partner of JCI Manila’s 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), honoring teachers whose dedication, creativity, and service continue to shape lives and communities across the country.

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Investing in teachers, investing in the nation’s future

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EastWest and JCI Manila with the ten TOGA awardees

Held at PHINMA Plaza in Rockwell Center, Makati City, TOGA 2026 recognized ten outstanding educators whose work reflects the depth of Filipino teaching excellence.

Among this year’s honorees is Leticia C. Dela Cruz, a Teacher III from Navotas with 30 years of service, who continues to champion student welfare and learner rights.

In Cagayan de Oro, Ryan Capilitan Tura, a Master Teacher, serves Indigenous Peoples learners in a remote multigrade mobile school—bringing hope to students despite geographic barriers.

Meanwhile, in Isabela, Jerrypol Casil Palma, a Senior High STEM teacher, has earned national and international recognition, with his innovative PATIChem now used by schools across the country.

Completing this year’s roster are equally dedicated educators from across the country: Marie Joy Jacinto of Batac; Maureen Lou A. Aragoza of Vigan; Catalina M. Canasa of Cebu; Kim D. Grapa of Dipolog; Cesar Sucdad Martin of Benguet; Gloperlyn de Guzman Chavez of Bataan; and Ma. Cristina G. Bagas of Muntinlupa—each recognized for their commitment to advancing education and making a meaningful difference in their respective communities.

“Teachers are nation builders. In many ways, the future of our country is shaped every day in our classrooms, through educators who choose to serve with purpose,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “At EastWest, we believe that recognizing and supporting educators is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, the future of the Philippines.”

Beyond recognition, EastWest advocates for empowering teachers through financial literacy. In 2025, EastWest Rural Bank launched GuroWAIS, a financial education program tailored for Filipino educators. Covering practical topics such as income, savings, budgeting, and long-term planning, GuroWAIS has already reached hundreds of teachers nationwide, with sessions conducted in partnership with JCI Manila and local DepEd offices.

“With GuroWAIS, we can help teachers build more confidence to manage today and prepare for tomorrow. And when they gain that confidence, the benefit goes beyond one person. It can reach their families, their students, and the communities they serve,” Ngo added.

Through TOGA and GuroWAIS, EastWest continues to champion educators, promote financial literacy, and invest in programs that strengthen communities.