Lally's Reflection

Investing in teachers, investing in the nation’s future EastWest and JCI Manila with the ten TOGA awardees 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. Held at PHINMA Plaza in Rockwell Center, Makati City, TOGA 2026 recognized ten outstanding educators whose work reflects the depth of Filipino teaching excellence. JCI Manila President Edison Ke and EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo during the ceremonial signing of the TOGA sponsorship 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...

Rainy days may bring gloomy skies, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to update everyday style with weather-resistant basics. Whether going to work, running errands, or spending a pleasant day indoors, there are plenty of ways to discover all essentials for the season at Your Most Loved SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. Insulated Drinkware Staying hydrated is vital regardless of the weather. Surplus, AquaFlask, and Sunnies Flask sell insulated tumblers and bottles that keep beverages hot or cold longer, making them ideal companions throughout the day. Waterproof Bags Miniso's waterproof bags make it easy to keep personal goods dry. These bags, made from sturdy materials like nylon and coated canvas, combine functionality with modern style for everyday use. Waterproof Footwear Wet pavements are no match for sturdy and fashionable waterproof footwear. Crocs and Melissa Clube  in SM City Marilao provides comfortable rain shoes and sandals that k...

"Tara!" is a familiar Filipino colloquial expression meaning "Come on!" "Let's go!" or "Join me!", it embodies the warmth, spontaneity, and shared spirit of exploration that define Filipino travel. Drawing inspiration from this simple yet powerful phrase, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) named its newest campaign TARA! as a heartfelt call for Filipinos to travel more often, explore deeper, and reconnect with the destinations through affordable stays and value-driven travel experiences. The campaign was officially unveiled during a media launch held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026, attended by members of the travel and lifestyle media and content creators. Following the launch, guests embarked on a curated Binondo Food Crawl, showcasing Manila's vibrant culinary heritage and demonstrating how meaningful travel experiences can begin within one's own city.   From left: Claire Bernabe, Head of Sales of Megaworld Hotels ...

SM City Baliwag has transformed its mall atrium into a vibrant celebration of Filipino artistry with the launch of Art for Everyone, a week-long exhibit that makes visual art more accessible and collectible. 1.        Art for Everyone 2026 officially opens at SM City Baliwag, showcasing the 310 artworks of at least 115 talented visual artists from Bulacan.  Running until July 17, the exhibit reimagines the typical gallery experience by transforming a public space into a dynamic hub where shoppers, art aficionados, cultural advocates, and collectors may discover, appreciate, and acquire original works created by at least 115 talented visual artists from Bulacan. More than just an exhibition, Art for Everyone is a platform that empowers local artists, including young and emerging ones, while also building significant cultural ties with the community. Officials from the Provincial Government of Bulacan, the City Government of Baliwag, and SM City Baliwag cam...

  The milestone gathering highlights Himbon’s creative journey and  Festive Walk Iloilo’s role in supporting cultural spaces for the region.   Festive Walk Iloilo reaffirmed its role as a home for culture, creativity, and community as it partnered with Himbon Contemporary Ilonggo Artists Group for the launch of the collective’s first-ever coffee table book and art exhibition on July 5, 2026, at the mall’s Main Activity Center. The event marked Himbon’s eighth year and celebrated the group’s artistic journey through the 110-page Himbon Coffee Table Book , a publication that documents its artists, artworks, exhibitions, accomplishments, and contributions to the contemporary art landscape of Iloilo and Western Visayas. The launch was attended by Iloilo City Councilor Nene dela Llana, Provincial Information and Community Affairs Officer Nereo Lujan, Iloilo Business Club President Ma. Luisa Segovia, Department of Justice Regional Prosecutor Louie Doligosa, Himbon advisers ...

Hard to believe we’re already wrapping up the first half of 2026—but here we are, and your most loved SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan have plenty lined up to celebrate. Their End of Season Sale runs until July 5, and the deals are wild: you can grab items across the mall for up to 70% off. Thinking about updating your style? Now’s the time. The SM Store, Surplus, Simply Shoes, and Sports Central are rolling out the latest trends, and you’ll find markdowns popping up at beauty and wellness spots like Watsons. If you need a little something from Miniso, their shelves are full and their prices are low. Maybe organizing your home is on your list. Swing by Our Home and Ace Hardware for discounted finds that’ll help you tidy up, or drop by SM Appliance Center for fresh pieces that’ll pull your DIY project together. So—whether you call it bargain hunting, treating yourself to a maxed-out shopping experience, or just smart timing—don't miss the End of Season Sale at SM City Maril...

In an economy where everything seems more expensive than it used to be, people aren't avoiding credit anymore. They're finding ways on how to make it work harder for them.   This shift fueled the rise of Moneymaxxing, a growing mindset focused on getting more value from the money you're already spending—whether that's through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply using the right financial tools for the right purchases.   Credit cards, when used strategically, can play an important role in that equation.   As the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, Maya makes it easier for users to put that mindset into practice through rewards, cashback, flexible payment options, and tools that help them get more value from their everyday spending.   Put planned spending on your card One of the easiest ways to moneymaxx your credit card is surprisingly simple: use it for spending that was already going to happen. Think groceries, di...