Meaningful Holy Week Meals: Flavorful Options At Your Most Loved SM Malls

The Lenten season brings a time of reflection and mindfulness, while also offering opportunities for meaningful meals shared with family and friends. Whether observing meat abstinence or simply seeking fresh, satisfying fare, flavor need not be compromised during Holy Week. SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela present a curated selection of meat-free dishes—from Korean-glazed seafood to Filipino classics and Japanese comfort food—that balance comfort and taste.

At these beloved SM malls, the Lenten table is far from ordinary. Instead, it delivers a sensory experience featuring ocean-fresh flavors, comforting aromas, and soulful dishes crafted for meaningful moments.

At SM Center Sangandaan, the aroma of freshly grilled seafood welcomes guests in search of simple yet gratifying meals. Ribshack serves tender grilled fish with subtle char and smoky notes, ideal for sharing over conversation. Nearby, Bonchon offers vibrant Korean-inspired seafood options, including crisp fillets coated in savory glaze and hearty bowls of shrimp and squid that feel both festive and fulfilling.

At SM City Grand Central, Mangan celebrates Filipino culinary heritage with bold, golden-crisp tuna creations. For those seeking a more contemplative dining experience, Nono’s provides a serene setting with buttery miso-glazed salmon paired with nutty red rice—meant to be savored slowly, in harmony with the season’s reflective pace.

At SM City Valenzuela, familiar flavors take precedence in dishes that evoke traditional family gatherings. Kuya J serves comforting seafood favorites like grilled mussels, tangy sinigang na bangus, and crispy bites that bring a sense of home to the table. Kenny Rogers Roasters complements the spread with fire-grilled salmon drizzled in lemon butter, accompanied by warm, wholesome sides for a complete meal. 

From Asian-inspired seafood to heritage Filipino dishes and comforting classics, SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela offer thoughtful options for the Holy Week table. In a season defined by reflection and gratitude, every shared meal becomes a chance to pause, reconnect, and appreciate life’s simple blessings.

Sining Filipina 2026: Catalyzing Women’s Leadership Through the Arts in the Philippines

In a nation where creativity flows as deeply as its rivers and resilience is woven into every community, Filipino women have long been the heart of culture—but rarely its public face. The Philippines is home to incredible artistic talent—but for far too long, Filipinas have been framed more as muses than as masters of their craft. They’ve inspired countless works of art, yet their own voices, visions, and leadership in the creative space have often been sidelined. Today, initiatives like the Sining Filipina national art competition are rewriting that story. Now in its third year, the 2026 edition is driving meaningful change under the powerful theme "Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation." 

Amplifying Diverse Voices Across the Archipelago 

 

This year’s competition drew over 250 entries from every corner of the country, from Aparri in the northernmost tip of Luzon to Jolo in the southern reaches of Mindanao. Participants represented a wide spectrum of Filipino women: seasoned professional artists who have dedicated decades to their craft, emerging creatives just starting to share their work with the world, homemakers who turn everyday moments into art, entrepreneurs who blend creativity with business, and even women in correctional facilities—all of whom were given a vital platform to share their unique perspectives on leadership, community, and nation-building.

After careful review by a panel of respected art curators and cultural leaders, 55 artists were named semi-finalists, with 10 emerging as powerful ambassadors of contemporary Filipina expression. The top three winners represent the breadth and depth of talent across the Philippines: 

1st Place: "Helping Hands" by Marte Goyon (Manila) IN PHOTO (L-R) Ronald Ventura, Judge; Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Manny Garibay, Judge; Marte Goyon; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

2nd Place: "Liwanag ni Maria" by Mary Joy Go (Bulacan) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Ronald Ventura, Judge; Mary Joy Go; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

 3rd Place: "From Home Outward" by Gerlynnia Aprille Gargo (Cebu) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Joanne Z. Zapanta, President, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME); Gerlynnia Gargo; Ms. Angela Hsu, Judge; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

Special Award: 1 participant from the Women's Correctional Institution

Their works—spanning painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art—showcase not just exceptional creative skill, but the depth of insight and vision that women bring to shaping our society. From pieces that honor traditional heritage to those that challenge modern social norms, each artwork tells a story of strength, hope, and progress. 

Art as a Force for Empowerment

Sining Filipina is more than just a competition—it’s a strategic vehicle for advancing women’s rights and opportunities across the Philippines. Proceeds from artwork sales support programs run by the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME), a proud member of ZONTA International. These initiatives focus on empowering Filipino women through multiple avenues: providing scholarships for young women pursuing higher education, offering skills training to help women enter the workforce or start their own businesses, and advocating for policies that protect women from discrimination and violence.

By connecting art with advocacy, the movement ensures that every brushstroke, every sculpted form, and every creative concept contributes to building a more just and equitable nation. For many participating artists, especially those from marginalized communities, the competition is not only a chance to showcase their work but also to gain economic independence and become agents of change in their own neighborhoods. 

The success of Sining Filipina 2026 is made possible through a strong and purposeful partnership between BDO Unibank, SM Supermalls, and ZCME. This cross-sector collaboration demonstrates how businesses and nonprofits can work together to amplify social impact, turning creativity into a tool for inclusive growth. BDO Unibank provides financial and logistical support to ensure the competition is accessible to women across all regions, while SM Supermalls offers prime space for the exhibit, making the art available to thousands of visitors daily. ZCME brings decades of experience in women’s empowerment, ensuring that the initiative’s goals are rooted in meaningful action.

Together, these partners are proving that when private enterprise and civil society align around a shared vision, they can create lasting change that benefits not just individual women, but entire communities.

The winning pieces and selected semi-finalist works are on display in a special exhibit at the L2 Atrium at The Podium until March 19. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a business leader looking to support social causes, or simply someone who wants to stand with Filipino women, visiting the exhibit gives you the chance to appreciate powerful art while contributing to a meaningful mission. Representatives from ZCME are on-site daily to answer questions about the programs supported by the initiative and assist with artwork purchases. 

As we continue building a more equitable Philippines, initiatives like Sining Filipina remind us that creativity and leadership go hand in hand. When we elevate women’s voices in the arts, we pave the way for them to lead in every sphere of life—from their homes and communities to the highest levels of national development. 

Converge Accelerates Network Expansion to Roll Out Nearly 1 Million Ports in 2026

Leading Philippine fixed broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. will deploy nearly one million additional ports this year, aiming to bring world-class internet connectivity to more Filipinos across the country—with a particular focus on the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The company has allocated up to P23 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, with most funds dedicated to strengthening and expanding its extensive network. This represents a roughly 30 percent increase from its total capex of P17.7 billion in 2025.

Each year, Converge designates a significant portion of its capital expenditure to "network hardening," including the installation of redundancy routes, while continuing to expand into new cities and municipalities. To rehabilitate infrastructure and prepare for wholesale demand, the company is speeding up its network rollout.

"We are investing heavily in our network expansion as we push harder for visibility in Visayas and Mindanao," said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. "At the same time, we are ramping up our Enterprise business amid increasing demand for quality connectivity and innovative solutions from enterprises of all sizes."

Key focus regions include Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, where more than 100,000 ports will be ready for service this year. Newly rolled-out ports will serve areas such as Capiz, Samar, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, and Sultan Kudarat.

With nearly three million residential subscribers in 2025, Converge achieved a port utilization rate of 37 percent. As of the end of 2025, the company had 9.2 million ports nationwide, translating to 66 percent of homes passed across the Philippines.

"We expect to further increase our port utilization even as we accelerate our port rollout, given the continued strong demand for our flagship FiberX plans, steady rise in our low-cost postpaid BIDA offering, and vigorous take-up of our prepaid internet service Surf2Sawa (S2S)," Uy added.

Converge was recognized by Ookla as the Philippines’ Best Fixed Network, Fastest Fixed Network, and provider of the Best Video Experience for the third and fourth quarters of 2025. In December 2025, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) proclaimed Converge as the national broadband leader, with the best average download speed, upload speed, and latency among major players.

The fiber internet leader closed out 2025 with 10.2 percent revenue growth to P44.8 billion, while net income rose by 9.6 percent to P11.9 billion.

Elevating the Olympic Experience: Alibaba Cloud Powers Sustainable, Efficient, and Intelligent Milano Cortina 2026 Games

Alibaba Group, a Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its digital technology and intelligence backbone, Alibaba Cloud, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (Milano Cortina 2026) into a landmark event for technological innovation. By integrating a comprehensive suite of advanced cloud and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud has significantly enhanced sustainability initiatives, optimized operational efficiencies, redefined broadcasting capabilities, and introduced the first application of large language model (LLM) technologies within the Olympic Movement.

Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic Committee President, lauded the technological advancements, stating, "Every Olympic Games leaves its own mark in terms of technological innovation. With Alibaba’s Cloud technologies and Qwen models, these Games have set a new benchmark for intelligence and creativity."

Dr. Feifei Li, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group and President of International Business, emphasized the significance of these innovations: "Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone with the first use of LLM technologies in the Olympic history powered by Alibaba's Qwen models. Our cloud and AI-powered systems that supported Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrate our dedication to enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and new possibilities for the Olympic Movement."

Advancing Sustainability Through Intelligent Cloud Solutions

Alibaba Cloud's commitment to sustainability was evident through the deployment of AI-driven solutions and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure, enabling Milano Cortina 2026 to meticulously measure and analyze carbon emissions. This initiative establishes a replicable model for future host cities to achieve more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible Olympic Games.

Key sustainability systems developed and deployed include: 

- Enhanced Energy Data Management System: Implemented across all competition venues, this system provided the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the IOC with real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Complementing this, an Intelligent Chatbot, powered by Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, offered staff instant access to historical and real-time insights on electricity usage and contingency planning for power demand.

- Energy Issue Tracking System: This system digitized workflows for identifying, escalating, and resolving energy anomalies, ensuring rapid responses and significantly improving operational efficiency.

- Codeveloped Sustainability Platform: This platform enabled organizers to assess the full lifecycle environmental footprint of Milano Cortina 2026, with a strategic focus on generating long-term benefits for local communities.

Revolutionizing Operational Efficiency Across a Geographically Diverse Games

Milano Cortina 2026 presented unique logistical challenges, spanning over 22,000 square kilometers across northern Italy’s alpine mountains and historic cities, making it the most geographically dispersed Winter Games in Olympic history. Alibaba Cloud’s systems were instrumental in facilitating game judging, coordinating logistics, and streamlining operations to ensure the seamless execution of the event.

Notable efficiency-enhancing systems and services include:

- Sophisticated Video Adjudication System: Debuting at Milano Cortina 2026, this system, built on Alibaba Cloud's low-latency livestreaming technology, was integrated into the core competition infrastructure. It enhanced officiating precision by synchronizing multi-signal video feeds, assisting referees in foul identification, and providing immediate arbitration playback for scoring disputes. This technology was successfully deployed in Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Slopestyle events, ensuring accuracy for judging panels.

- Transportation Management System (TMS): Built on Alibaba Cloud, the TMS seamlessly connected venues across vast distances, providing precise mobility assurance for over 80,000 Olympic stakeholders, including IOC staff, athletes, volunteers, media, and key personnel. The Milano Cortina 2026 Transport App, alongside related system services, offered personalized journey planning and real-time updates via connected official transport services.

- Comprehensive Operational Service Applications: A range of critical applications, from an e-voucher system for meals serving tens of thousands of Olympic stakeholders to a meteorological service portal delivering real-time weather information for competition safety, all operated on Alibaba Cloud’s stable and resilient infrastructure.

- Apsara Video Technology: This technology powered cloud-based live streaming and broadcasting for Milano Cortina 2026, enabling global media access to press conferences, IOC daily briefings, and post-competition athlete interviews in real-time. The fully cloud-hosted Game Video Content Distribution service provided journalists with seamless video processing, editing, live and on-demand distribution, and secure download capabilities through Alibaba Cloud’s robust infrastructure.

AI-Powered Fan Engagement and Olympic Tradition Enhancement

Alibaba Cloud introduced innovative AI applications that enriched fan engagement and modernized cherished Olympic traditions:

- Intelligent Pin Trading Station: Located in the Milano Olympic Village, this AI-enabled station, powered by Alibaba’s Qwen model, offered a unique twist to the traditional pin trading. Combining embodied devices with an AI system capable of understanding both language and visuals, athletes could interact naturally using voice and gestures. The AI interpreted commands in real-time, guiding a robotic arm to select a pin left by a previous participant, facilitating over 8,000 exchanges and fostering deeper connections among athletes.

Intelligent Design: The Dawn of LLM Technologies in the Olympics

Milano Cortina 2026 marked a significant milestone with the pioneering use of LLM technologies, powered by Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen models, within the Olympic ecosystem. These advancements drove the IOC’s digital transformation, delivering a smarter and more connected Games. Qwen supported diverse applications, ranging from enhancing global fan engagement to streamlining information management and operational workflows.

Key AI-driven platforms included:

- Olympic AI Assistant, NOC AI Assistant, and Sports AI Platform: These platforms, built on Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure, facilitated multilingual fan interactions, intelligent content search, and large-scale media management. Collectively, these systems established new benchmarks for accessibility, efficiency, and intelligence within the Olympic environment.

Redefining Olympic Broadcasting Through Cloud Innovation

The collaboration with Alibaba Cloud significantly transformed Olympic broadcasting:

- OBS Live Cloud Platform: Powered by Alibaba Cloud, this platform revolutionized the production and delivery of the Olympic Games. By replacing traditional satellite operations, it provided flexible, scalable, and high-quality content distribution of 442 live video feeds for 42 broadcasters worldwide. This cloud-based approach led to a substantial reduction in physical footprint, with the Milano Cortina 2026 International Broadcasting Centre being 25% smaller than Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than Pyeongchang 2018.

- Advanced AI Solutions in Broadcasting: Complementing the cloud platform were innovative AI solutions such as the Real-Time 360º Replay systems and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description System (AMD). These innovations modernized live production workflows, accelerated media turnaround speeds, and set a new standard for intelligent broadcasting. During Milano Cortina 2026, AMD processed livestream signals from 391 competition sessions, while Media Rights Holders (MRHs) gained access to 4,198 video highlights of exhilarating moments, all captured and produced by Alibaba Cloud's Real-Time 360º Replay systems.

Through its enduring partnership with the IOC, Alibaba Cloud continues to innovate and transform the Olympic Games, striving to create more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent experiences for participants and audiences globally.

Jollibee Bags Global Filipino Brand Excellence Award from PAFTA

Representatives of Jollibee and the Philippine Arts, Film & Television, Inc. (PAFTA) gather on stage as Jollibee receives the PAFTA Global Filipino Brand Excellence Award, a recognition that celebrates the brand’s journey from humble beginnings to a world-class Filipino brand that continues to bring pride, innovation, and joy to millions across the globe. 

Jollibee Philippines President Ferns Yu (right-hand side of the mascot) was joined onstage by (left to right) PAFTA Executive Vice President Christina Aliada, PAFTA Board Chairman Dr. Billy James Uy, Jollibee Philippines Head of Human Resources Belle Gosioco, and Jollibee Philippines Head of Finance, Stan Baltazar.

Global Filipino Business Icon & Lifetime Achievement Award Conferred on Jollibee Group Executive Chairman, Founder, and Chief Taste Officer Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong. The award recognizes him as a symbol of Filipino excellence, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision and was given by PAFTA, the Philippine Arts Film & Television, on February 21, 2026 at The Manila Hotel. 

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the "Company") is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the "Jollibee Group") with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. 

 The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

 The Company has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Her Power, Her Moment: GH Mall Celebrates Women’s Creativity, Strength & Expression This Women’s Month

GH Mall is thrilled to launch “Her Power, Her Moment” — a month-long Women’s Month celebration dedicated to honoring the diverse lives and achievements of women. This curated series of events combines wellness activities, artistic expression, and insightful masterclasses, creating a welcoming space where every woman can reflect, recharge, and truly shine.

Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience, featuring art therapy sessions, high-energy fitness classes, beauty workshops, and a grand fashion show that showcases style and individuality.

For the latest updates on “Her Power, Her Moment” at GH Mall, download the Ortigas Malls app, follow Ortigas Malls on Facebook, and stay connected with @greenhillsph on Instagram.

SM Center Sangandaan’s 3-Day Sale: Huge Deals & Amazing Prizes Await!

March weekends are getting a major upgrade—SM Center Sangandaan is hosting its highly anticipated 3-Day Sale on March 13, 14, and 15! It’s the perfect excuse for a fun family day out, where you can grab fantastic deals, check out your go-to stores, and enjoy a lively weekend at the mall.

For three days straight, enjoy up to 70% off on items across the entire mall. Save big on home necessities, gadgets, beauty products, and daily lifestyle goods. Top stores like SM Supermarket, Ace Hardware, Miniso, Watsons, and SM Appliance Center are joining in, along with over 100 other shops.

But that’s not all—there’s also an exciting raffle! Every Php 1,000 purchase receipt gives you one entry to win a brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL CVT Hybrid.

Even your coffee breaks can be rewarding with the ongoing Sip and Win Promo. Spend Php 500 at participating cafes, and get an e-raffle entry for a chance to win a special prize! This promo runs until April 10, turning a simple coffee run into a lucky opportunity. Whether you love espresso, latte, or iced drinks, every sip could bring a surprise.

With great bargains, amazing prizes, and new cafes to explore, SM Center Sangandaan’s 3-Day Sale is the ultimate weekend plan.

For more updates on mall events, follow SM Center Sangandaan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan.