Nagtala si Alex Eala ng isa sa pinakamalalaking panalo sa kanyang karera matapos talunin ang World No. 2 na si Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, upang makapasok sa quarterfinals ng Berlin Tennis Open sa Germany.

Sa kabila ng malakas na simula ni Rybakina at maagang 4-1 abante, nagpakita ng tibay si Eala at bumawi upang maagaw ang unang set. Napanatili niya ang momentum sa ikalawang set para makumpleto ang malaking upset at makapaghiganti matapos ang pagkatalo niya sa Kazakhstani star sa Italian Open noong Mayo.

Hindi napigilan ni Eala ang kanyang saya matapos ang tagumpay at agad itong ibinahagi sa kanyang mga magulang. Ang panalo ay ikalawa niyang tagumpay laban sa isang top-three player sa mundo at isa na namang patunay ng kanyang mabilis na pag-angat sa international tennis stage.

Dumating na sa Clark International Airport sa Pampanga ang kauna-unahang Cessna 408 SkyCourier sa Pilipinas at sa buong Asia-Pacific Region.

Ang eroplano ay pagmamay-ari ng ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative o ACDI MPC, ang pinakamalaking kooperatiba sa bansa na binubuo ng mahigit 230,000 aktibo at retiradong miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at iba pang uniformed personnel, kasama ang kanilang mga dependents.

Ayon sa ACDI MPC, ang pagdating ng SkyCourier ay bahagi ng kanilang pagpasok sa industriya ng abyasyon sa pamamagitan ng kanilang subsidiary na Leading Edge Air Services Corporation o LEASCOR.

Pinamumunuan ang ACDI MPC ni Retired Major General Gilbert S. Llanto, AFP Retired, na siya ring Pangulo ng National Alliance of Cooperatives at Direktor ng International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific.

Sinabi ng kooperatiba na ang bagong eroplano ay magsisilbing mahalagang bahagi ng kanilang layunin na mapalawak ang transportasyon at logistics services, lalo na sa mga malalayong lugar na limitado ang access sa regular na biyahe.

Ang Cessna 408 SkyCourier ay isang modernong twin-engine turboprop aircraft na maaaring magsakay ng hanggang 19 na pasahero o gamitin sa cargo operations. May kakayahan din itong lumapag at lumipad sa maiikli at hindi gaanong developed na mga paliparan, kaya angkop ito sa inter-island operations sa Pilipinas.

Sa kasalukuyan, may operasyon ang LEASCOR sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa kabilang ang rutang Zamboanga-Jolo, gayundin sa mga charter flights para sa mga kumpanya, resort, at iba pang kliyente.

Ayon sa ACDI MPC, ang pagdating ng SkyCourier ay patunay na ang sektor ng kooperatiba ay maaari nang gumanap ng mas malaking papel sa pambansang kaunlaran sa pamamagitan ng pamumuhunan sa mga estratehikong industriya tulad ng abyasyon.

Inaasahan namang darating sa mga susunod na buwan ang ikalawang SkyCourier na bahagi ng fleet expansion program ng LEASCOR ngayong taon.

As part of the award-winning “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy” campaign, Jollibee introduces “Bida ang Pinoy” to celebrate every Filipinos who bring joy and inspiration to their families and communities. Serving as inspiring examples of this empowered spirit are (from left) delivery rider and stray animal advocate Benigno Jose Paz, community pharmacist and content creator Arshie Larga, Jollibee Katipunan restaurant manager Cherry Chua, working student Lowel Rubino and momfluencer and entrepreneur Ciara Magallanes. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that everyone has the ability to make a meaningful difference right where they are.

As Filipinos mark Independence Day, Jollibee celebrates the best of the Filipino spirit through its “Bida ang Pinoy” campaign, a tribute to everyday Filipinos whose courage, resilience, and excellence continue to uplift families, strengthen communities, and move the nation forward.

The campaign is part of Jollibee’s award-winning “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy” initiative, which celebrates the qualities that make Filipinos stand out and make the country proud.

“At Jollibee, we believe that greatness comes in many forms. We see it in Filipinos who work hard for their families, pursue their dreams, and help others along the way,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

“This Independence Day, we celebrate the values that make Filipinos truly exceptional, our optimism, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Through Bida ang Pinoy, we hope to shine a light on the everyday Filipinos whose actions, big or small, make a positive difference in the lives of others,” Ching added.

Through the campaign, Jollibee shares inspiring real stories of Filipinos who live out these values. These include breadwinners working hard for their families, volunteers who serve their communities, and everyday individuals who quietly help others in meaningful ways. As the country celebrates Independence Day, Jollibee hopes to inspire greater appreciation for the countless Filipinos whose everyday acts of excellence, service, and compassion help strengthen Filipino families, communities, and the nation.

Because while our heroes shape our history, it is the everyday greatness of Filipinos that continues to shape our future.

The “Bida ang Pinoy” campaign is running on Jollibee’s social media channels until June 12. Filipinos are invited to share their own stories and take part in celebrating the everyday Filipino spirit that makes the nation proud.

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

 West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is upgrading its Putatan Water Treatment Plant (PWTP) 1 in Muntinlupa City with ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) technology to strengthen the facility’s capability to treat raw water from Laguna Lake.

The project involves the phased replacement of existing ultrafiltration membranes at PWTP 1 with ceramic UF membranes—a state-of-the-art technology designed to support more stable treatment operations amid increasingly variable raw water conditions.

Maynilad first adopted ceramic UF technology in its 20-million-liter-per-day Laguna Lake Modular Treatment Plant, which was inaugurated in 2024. The facility treats raw water from Laguna Lake and augments the production of Maynilad’s existing treatment facilities in Muntinlupa. It also marked the first use of ceramic UF technology for water treatment in the Philippines.

The modular treatment plant helped validate the effectiveness of ceramic UF technology under Laguna Lake conditions, where raw water quality can fluctuate abruptly due to weather and climate-related factors. Ceramic UF membranes are also designed for durability and longer service life, which can support more sustainable treatment operations through improved reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. Its performance gave Maynilad the basis to pursue the phased adoption of ceramic UF technology at PWTP 1.

“Maynilad continues to invest in technologies that will help us meet evolving water supply and treatment challenges. With ceramic UF, we are building on a technology that we have already tested under Laguna Lake conditions, and are now scaling it up to further improve the reliability, resilience, and sustainability of our water treatment operations,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The first phase of the PWTP 1 upgrade will cover part of the plant’s existing ultrafiltration system and is targeted for progressive commissioning starting by the end of 2026. It forms part of Maynilad’s broader program to enhance the reliability of its Laguna Lake treatment facilities, which serve as alternative sources to Angat Dam and help support water security for customers in the West Zone. Once this phase is completed, the upgrade is expected to support more stable and reliable treatment operations, particularly during periods of elevated turbidity in Laguna Lake.

Maynilad is pursuing investments in advanced treatment technologies as part of its continuing efforts to improve supply reliability, diversify raw water sources, and strengthen climate resilience across its water production system.

Maynilad operates the largest water concession by population served within a single concession area in the Philippines. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

Muling itinampok ng Marikina City ang iconic na World’s Largest Shoes matapos itong maibalik at maayos mula sa mga pinsalang dulot ng paglipas ng panahon at kalamidad.

Ayon sa lungsod, higit pa sa restoration project ang pagbuhay sa higanteng sapatos dahil simbolo rin ito ng mayamang kasaysayan ng industriya ng sapatos sa Marikina at ng katatagan ng mga Marikenyo sa harap ng mga hamon.

Recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability, education, wellness, and responsible citizenship

SM Supermalls’ award-winning programs take center stage at the 20th Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, bringing home four trophies for SM Green Movement, SM Book Nook, and SM Active Hub, alongside the CMO of the Year recognition for SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin.

MANILA, Philippines, June 6, 2026 — SM Supermalls earned multiple honors at the 20th Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, reaffirming the company’s commitment to purpose-driven initiatives that create meaningful impact for communities across the country.

The company brought home four trophies for programs that champion sustainability, learning, wellness, and responsible citizenship. The awards recognized the impact of SM Green Movement, SM Book Nook, and SM Active Hub—initiatives designed to create positive change while enriching the experiences of millions of Filipinos who visit their most-loved SM Supermalls every day.

Through these initiatives, the company continues to advance environmental stewardship, promote lifelong learning, encourage active lifestyles, and strengthen community engagement.

The impact behind the awards. Through SM Green Movement, SM Book Nook, and SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls continues to champion sustainability, education, and wellness—creating meaningful experiences and positive change for communities nationwide.

Adding to the milestone, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin was named CMO of the Year, recognizing his leadership in advancing marketing initiatives that create both business value and positive social impact.

For San Agustin, the recognition reflects the collective effort behind every campaign and program, underscoring his belief that success is never the work of one person but of an entire team working toward a shared purpose.

“These recognitions belong to the entire team. They are the result of people coming together with a shared purpose: to create meaningful experiences and make a positive difference in the communities we serve,” he said.

The CMO of the Year and Chief Marketing Officer of the Decade trophies were awarded to SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin at the 20th Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, recognizing leadership in advancing purpose-driven marketing and creating positive impact for communities.

The Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards honors brands, organizations, and leaders that demonstrate the power of purpose-driven marketing while creating positive social change. The recognition affirms SM Supermalls’ belief that meaningful impact is created when business objectives are aligned with the needs of the communities it serves.

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving for a new era shaped by how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

As one of the country’s vital industries, agriculture continues to sustain Filipino families while facing challenges in market access and declining interest among younger generations.

Every Filipino home has its own version of comfort food. A simmering sinigang during rainy afternoons. A sizzling plate of ginisang gulay shared over dinner. Garlic crackling in hot oil. Onions slowly turn golden in a pan while families gather around the kitchen, waiting for a meal that feels like home.

But behind these familiar dishes are farmers whose stories are often left unseen.

Long before food reaches our tables, farmers spend months planting, watering, and protecting crops under the heat of the sun and the uncertainty of the weather. While many people only see ingredients neatly arranged in markets and grocery shelves, farmers see years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope for a harvest that can support their families.

Agriculture remains one of the country’s most essential industries, yet many Filipino farmers still face limited market access and declining interest among younger generations.

Through the SM Foundation Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Market Linkage Program, farmers are empowered to become agri-entrepreneurs, recognizing the hard work and determination behind every harvest.

SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Market Linkage Program recognizes this hard work, sacrifice, and quiet determination behind every harvest by helping farmers become agri-entrepreneurs capable of building more sustainable livelihoods for their families and communities.

Through the SM Foundation Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Program, farmers gain access to sustainable market opportunities through initiatives such as the SM Weekend Market and SM Bagsakan, helping them directly connect with consumers and build stronger livelihoods over time.

For many farmers, finding a stable market where they can fairly sell their harvest is often the bigger challenge than producing crops. Through initiatives such as the SM Weekend Market, SM Bagsakan, and partnerships with SM consigners, KSK creates opportunities for farmers to directly connect with consumers and earn more from their hard work.

As explained by SMFI Senior Program Manager for the Livelihood and Outreach Program Darel Colarina, the program aims to link the KSK Graduates from 2007-2025 to the different market opportunities in SM. Ultimately, they want to increase the farmers’ income by creating a long-term and sustainable market opportunities for farmers by allowing them not only to sell produce but also to build loyal customer bases over time.

“Ine-aim namin to have long-term farmer market linkages. Based on our data, sa na-survey namin for the SM Weekend Market, those who are tenured or two to three years nang nagtitinda sa SM Weekend Market are already selling about Php10,000 a week,” he shared.

Colarina adds that many participating farmers are now developing regular buyers and becoming trusted suppliers within their communities. Some customers have even built routines around visiting the SM Weekend Market early every weekend to buy fresh vegetables directly from local farmers before continuing with their mall errands.

At the SM Weekend Market, Jenny personally connects with customers while selling vegetables harvested from her farm. The market linkage opportunities provided through the KSK Market Linkage Program helped her steadily increase her earnings and reinvest in a hydroponic lettuce system.

Jenny directly sells fresh produce grown from her farm at the SM Weekend Market in SM Sorsogon City. Through the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Program, she was able to expand her farming venture into a more sustainable source of income for her family.

One of the program’s inspiring stories is Jenny, a 33-year-old mother from Sorsogon City whose life gradually changed through farming.

Jenny began planting crops in 2017 to help support her husband in providing for their family. When she joined the KSK Market Linkage Program in 2023, she discovered new opportunities that transformed her small farming venture into a more sustainable source of income.

Driven by her desire to care for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, while supporting her young son, Jenny maximized the opportunities provided through the SM Weekend Market. The program allowed her to sell her produce directly to customers and steadily increase her earnings.

Aside from supporting Jenny and her family’s daily needs, farming has also allowed her to build a more stable future for her son and mother.

Jenny was able to save more than Php100,000 — money she later reinvested into a hydroponic lettuce system to improve both the quality and productivity of her crops.

Today, she manages nearly every aspect of the business herself, from planting and harvesting to selling produce at the market.

“Nagbago po ‘yung buhay namin dahil paunti-unti po kaming nakakaraos sa kahirapan noon. Noon, umaasa lang po ako sa sahod ng asawa ko, tapos kulang pa ‘yun sa pag-aaral ng anak ko at para sa mother ko.” Jenny shared.

She has also started teaching her 8-year-old son the basics of planting, from using organic fertilizers to harvesting vegetables on their own, which she also learned from the KSK program. For her, agriculture is more than a livelihood — it is a life skill that future generations should never lose.

“Dapat kasi ngayon may knowledge sila sa pagtatanim kasi kung wala silang technology na ma-apply sa pagtatanim, wala rin silang makakain.”

In a time when younger generations are becoming more disconnected from agriculture, Jenny symbolizes that direct market access is helping reshape agriculture into an industry where young Filipinos can also see a future.