FEATURES

Patuloy na pinalalakas ng SM Foundation ang Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK), isang programang upang mapataas ang kakayahan at kita ng mga magsasaka.

Ayon sa datos ng foundation noong 2024, nakapagsagawa na ito ng mahigit 400 pagsasanay sa buong bansa para sa higit 32,000 magsasaka.

Noong Agosto 8, sinimulan ang bagong batch ng training para sa 100 magsasaka sa Cagayan de Oro. Nagtapos din noong Agosto 6 ang 100 magsasaka sa San Juan, Batangas at 100 pa mula Sariaya at San Andres, Quezon noong Agosto 13.

Nakatakdang palawakin pa ang KSK sa mas maraming lugar ngayong taon bilang suporta sa food security at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka.

Market tour para sa mga KSK graduates. Bahagi ng programa ang pagikot sa SM Markets upang paigtingin ang farm-to-market linkages at ang kanilang kaalaman sa marketing.

Ipinapakita ng isang KSK graduate mula Batangas ang okrang itinanim at inani nila sa pagsasanay. Misyon ng programang matutunan ng mga magsasaka ang pagtatanim ng high-value crops gamit ang makabagong pamamaraan.

100 magsasaka mula Cagayan de Oro ang sasailalim sa 14-linggong pagsasanay sa Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farming Program

Learning the art of Kokedama. April Arceo of Flipay’s Plants (center, in black) taught eager plant lovers how to make their own Kokedama plant, which is another form of bonsai.

The much-anticipated Bloom & Brew Garden and Lifestyle Fair at Capitol Commons recently concluded, leaving a trail of greenery, creativity, and new-found knowledge in its wake. The three-day event, held from August 8 to 10, brought together 42 plant partners and vendors, offering a diverse array of plants and eco-friendly products for both seasoned gardeners and aspiring green thumbs.

A major highlight of the fair was the hands-on Kokedama Workshop on August 9, where participants learned the Japanese art of creating beautiful moss ball planters. Hosted by April Arceo of Flipay’s Plants, the workshop provided attendees with the skills to craft these unique and stylish indoor green accents, adding a touch of nature-inspired design to their homes.

From green leafy stems to colorful leaves, every Kokedama plant is unique.

The following day, on August 10, the focus shifted to sustainability with a compelling Permaculture Farming Demonstration & Talk by Mr. Sixto Bereber. Bereber shared valuable insights into sustainable growing techniques, inspiring the crowd to adopt a more eco-conscious approach to gardening and urban living. His talk emphasized the importance of working with nature to create productive and resilient systems.

Beyond the workshops, the fair was a vibrant marketplace of plants and lifestyle products, and a showcase for creativity with the Tabletop Competition co-presented with Horti Filipina, which celebrated “Colorful Plants” and delighted visitors with vibrant and imaginative arrangements. Bloom & Brew truly lived up to its name, providing a refreshing and educational weekend that celebrated the beauty of nature and the joy of a green lifestyle.

Prepare for a mind-blowing journey through light, illusion, and imagination! Space & Time Cube, the Philippines’ favorite immersive museum experience, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest and first-ever branch outside Metro Manila — opening this August 9, 2025 at SM City Pampanga!

Known for its vibrant mix of tech-powered attractions and visually stunning installations, Space & Time Cube is now bringing its magic to Central Luzon.

Perfect for  families, friends, and content creators alike, this interactive space invites everyone to play, explore, and capture the moment in a whole new dimension.

A Glimpse Into the Attractions:

Fantasy Cinema – Experience a 9D roller coaster with water, wind, snow, and more!

Perpetual Aura – A peaceful haven of dancing light and shadow that transforms the room—and you.

Wandering Planets – Step into a mirrored galaxy where you’re surrounded by stars, planets, and glowing light.

Flip the Kitchen – Reality turns upside down (literally!) in this quirky and mind-bending little space.

Breathing Lights – Watch lights respond to your breath in a calming, ever-changing display.

Upside Down Staircase – Snap the ultimate optical illusion photo—perfect for your next viral post.

Fluorescent Tunnel – Walk through a magical tunnel of lights, shadows, and wonder.

Flicker of Fortune – Walk under a canopy of shimmering crystal lights while an interactive LED floor lights up with everystep. A magical, must-see centerpiece!

Sandbox – Dig, shape, and sculpt real-time terrain using motion sensor projections.

Tyndall Effect – Witness the beauty of light like never before in this reflective, mesmerizing space.

Love Scenario – Hold both orbs at the same time to complete the circuit and light up the disc behind you. A simple yet sweet interactive moment.

Fairy in the Painting – Walk into 3D scroll paintings and become part of a living masterpiece.

Running Temple – Race and dodge through an interactive game using motion sensors and your own moves.

Wild Hunt – Grab a sensor-linked model gun and test your aim in this fast-paced shooting game.

Infinite Train – Step aboard a vintage-style train illusion that makes you feel like you’re traveling through time.

Jellyfish Paradise – Enter a surreal, glowing sea of endless jellyfish lights.

Space & Time Tunnel – A fully enclosed LED tunnel with naked-eye 3D visuals that transport you through different worlds.

Magical Graffiti – Color, scan, and watch your drawing come alive on the wall. Interactive Games – Challenge your brain with engaging projection mini-games. Dance Cube – Jump into this vibrant floor game where every step is part of the fun.

Underwater Pool – Take stunning photos in an illusion that makes you look completely submerged under water.

Kaleidoscope – A playful, psychedelic experience for one-of-a-kind photo ops.

Battle of the Sea – A massive ball pit with sensor-based monster games, a slide, and rope climbers—perfect for kids who love active, adventurous fun!

Gift Shop – Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for exclusive new merch and souvenirs!

Esteemed legal luminary and law firm founder, Atty. Nilo T. Divina has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Museo del Galeón, Inc., bringing with him decades of distinguished legal experience and a longstanding dedication to nation-building and public service. Atty. Divina, who is widely recognized for his selectivity in accepting board appointments, accepted the role in recognition of Museo del Galeón’s non-stock, non-profit status and its cultural and educational mission. The museum’s distinguished Board composition and its efforts to preserve and promote the shared maritime heritage of the Philippines and the global community also aligned with his personal advocacies.  

In addition to joining the Board, Atty. Divina has formalized a partnership between DivinaLaw and Museo del Galeón. Under this partnership, DivinaLaw will serve as the museum’s official legal counsel. He joins a Board of Trustees chaired by Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas, with Doris Magsaysay-Ho as President and Dr. Jaime C. Laya, as Treasurer. The Board also includes prominent leaders and visionaries such as Gloria M. Angara, Gerardo A. Borromeo, Dr. Lydia B. Echauz, Dr. Carlos Madrid Álvarez-Piñer, Enrique K. Razon Jr., Alfredo P. Roca, and Hans T. Sy. 

Atty. Divina’s election comes at a pivotal time as the museum advances its preparations for its public opening in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deepen historical and cultural understanding, through the legacy of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.  

Photo Caption: Atty. Nilo T. Divina (left), Founder and Managing Partner of DivinaLaw, with Museo del Galeón Executive Director Manuel L. Quezon III (right) during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at the DivinaLaw office in Makati City.