Made It Through Mum

A Touch of Italy Comes to Caloocan this Holiday Season  Christmas in Northern Metro Manila takes a beautiful Italian twist this year. SM City Grand Central proudly presents "Venetian Wonderland," its stunning 2026 holiday centerpiece inspired by the timeless canals of Venice and the famously colorful streets of Burano Island. Step into the mall atrium, and you're transported. A glowing canal winds through the space, flanked by charming Venetian architecture, illuminated bridges, and a traditional gondola waiting to carry you into the season. Every corner feels like a scene from a festive evening in Italy — perfect for photos, quiet moments, and soaking up that wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The Magic of Burano Comes to Life At the heart of the display stands a magnificent 34-foot Christmas tree, glowing bright and crowned with radiant starbursts. It rises amidst pastel-colored houses that capture the cheerful spirit of Burano, the island famous for its vibrant homes and ...

Klook Philippines recognized the outstanding contributions of its industry partners at the annual Klook Partner Awards held on October 6, celebrating those who have helped drive domestic tourism across the country this year. The awards ceremony honored top-performing partners across Klook's three core travel pillars: Play, Stay, and Move. Specialized categories highlighted each partner's unique impact in elevating the Philippine travel experience. A Message of Gratitude  "We wanted to honor our partners who have raised the bar for Philippine tourism and consistently ensure exceptional experiences to travelers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," said Michelle Ho, General Manager of Klook Philippines. "Klook remains deeply committed to investing in the Philippines. Over the past 12 months, we have achieved remarkable growth despite industry challenges which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners." To celebrate their success, the Klook...

In a historic first for the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the Royal Canin Foundation has awarded a grant to the Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI) – the non-profit behind Communitails – to launch Brave Tails: a pioneering animal-assisted service designed to support trauma survivors and their care providers across the country. This funding marks the first time the Global Foundation has selected an initiative from the Philippines or Southeast Asia, putting the region at the forefront of global efforts to leverage the human-animal bond for mental health and healing. A Critical Need, Compassionately Addressed Millions of trauma survivors in the Philippines – including those affected by abuse, exploitation, or crisis – face long-term emotional and psychological hardship, with far too little access to affordable, specialized mental health care. Frontline workers and care providers, who stand with these communities, also carry heavy burdens of burnout and secondary trauma. Brave...

Spoiler: Real adulting is building confidence with your money—not just nailing your night routine Adulting hits different once you hit your 30s. Suddenly, the perfect weekend means getting enough sleep, hitting the grocery store before your fridge is completely empty, and actually knowing where your salary goes every month. Between career milestones, bills, travel goals, and that well-deserved “deserve ko ’to” purchase, staying on top of your finances can feel like a second full-time job. And if you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing enough to secure your future? You’re definitely not alone. The Philippines’ National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022–2028 highlights how critical it is for Filipinos to access better financial services and build stronger money habits. On a personal level, that means learning to manage what you earn, preparing for the unexpected, and making choices that feel right for your long-term goals. The best part? You don’t need to have your whole life figured ou...

Hot afternoons are far more enjoyable when every member of the family has their perfect drink in hand. At SM City Valenzuela, a family day out means fruit-packed smoothies for the kids, creamy milk tea for teens, robust iced coffee for parents, and comforting, familiar flavors for grandparents. Living up to our promise of #AllYourFavesHere, your go-to mall brings together an unbeatable range of refreshments—giving every generation a reason to slow down, beat the heat, and share a happy sip together. For the Little Ones: Bright, Fruity, and Fun Treats Younger family members love drinks that pop with color, flavor, and little surprises. At Fruitas, kids can pick from fresh fruit smoothies and fun popping boba creations, with mango and strawberry flavors adding a playful twist to any afternoon.  For a beloved classic, Zagu serves its iconic pearl shakes—frosty, sweet, and the perfect reward after a morning of running around and exploring. For Teens & Young Adults: Trendy Sips and ...

Experts and participants of the Asia Forum on Nicotine 2026 gather during Day 2 of the forum, following discussions on nicotine, tobacco harm reduction, and public health. The gathering brought together international experts and stakeholders to exchange perspectives and advance dialogue on research, policy, and evidence-informed approaches to tobacco harm reduction. The Asia Forum on Nicotine (AFN) 2026 opened today at the Astoria Hotel, Ortigas, with a clear call for wider adoption of evidence‑based tobacco harm reduction (THR) policies and improved access to safer nicotine alternatives throughout the Asia‑Pacific region.  Day 1 of the Asia Forum for Nicotine (AFN 2026) featured an engaging panel discussion, with speakers sharing their perspectives and insights on key issues surrounding nicotine, tobacco harm reduction, and public health. A core highlight of Day 1 was the introduction of the Asia Pacific Declaration, a formal appeal to health ministers and public health authoritie...

Refreshing your wardrobe is easier when you have everything you need in one convenient destination. At your most-loved SM Center Pulilan, shoppers can explore fashion finds, everyday essentials, and stylish accessories that suit different personalities, lifestyles, and occasions. Apparel for Kids and Adults From everyday essentials to trendy outfits, ForMe, Penshoppe, Bench, and Denim Hub offer versatile fashion finds for different styles and occasions. For the little ones, OshKosh B’gosh features classic and comfortable kidswear, making family wardrobe shopping easy and  convenient at SM Center Pulilan. Activewear for Every Move For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Sports Central offers sportswear and athletic essentials to complement workouts, outdoor adventures, and everyday activities. Whether you are gearing up for your next fitness session or looking for comfortable pieces for an on-the-go routine, find options that help you stay ready for every move. Accessories to Compl...