This Sinulog season, the celebration goes bigger, brighter, and more immersive as SM City Cebu invites everyone to max out the experience with AweSM Cebu 2026, a month-long festival of culture, color, and community happening from January 3-28, 2026. Packed with must-see attractions, star-studded mall shows, glowing spectacles, and experiences made for every tribe, SM City Cebu brings the spirit of Sinulog gala to the max.

From January 8-21, the North Wing Atrium transforms into a radiant centerpiece with Glow City: Sinulog Centerpiece, setting the stage for vibrant photo moments perfect for families, friends, and festival enthusiasts. Creative minds can also shine in Luminescence: A Sinulog Digi Art Contest, running from January 8-18, where digital artistry meets Cebu’s colorful heritage.

On January 17, the AweSM Glow Dance Competition lights up the North Wing, highlighting creative glow-ups that reflect Sinulog’s festive spirit. Fans can also catch Coco Martin Live at the Main Mall in a special mall show presented by Toyota Mabolo on the same day. The party continues with Sinulog Beats Live Party on January 17 and 18 at the North Wing Atrium, perfect for music lovers ready to dance their gala nights away.

On Sinulog Day, January 18, the festivities reach an exciting peak with the Kapuso Stars Mall Show at the Lower Ground Level of the Main Mall, leading up to the grand visual finale—ILLUMINIGHT: Sinulog Drone & Pyro Show at the North Wing Complex. With synchronized drones and fireworks lighting up the Cebu skyline, it’s a breathtaking moment that truly maxes the Sinulog experience.

With something for every tribe—families, foodies, fashion lovers, music fans, and festival-goers—AweSM Cebu 2026 at SM City Cebu is where everyday moments turn into unforgettable memories. This Sinulog, gather your people, plan your gala days, and celebrate the highly anticipated festival to the max at SM City Cebu

 This Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites everyone to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ while extending a loving hand to those in need. We are excited to bring back the Light The World Giving Machines to the Philippines. 

These unique "giving-focused" vending machines add a fun and spiritual dimension to the shopping and gift-giving season. Unlike regular vending machines, the Giving Machines dispense valuable and affordable product cards that facilitate acts of service for fellow Filipinos in need, allowing the public to instantly participate in the joy of caring. 

With the generosity of our location partners, a Giving Machine will be hosted by Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City, launching on November 9, 2023, at 11:00 AM on Level 4, near Cinema 1. In Cebu, another Giving Machine will be hosted by Ayala Center Cebu, launching on November 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM on Level 3 (between Casa Verde and Dessert Factory). All Giving Machines will be available during mall hours until January 1, 2024. This year's items available through the Giving Machines include food packs, hygiene kits, educational materials, student financial aid, emergency and repair kits, multivitamins, eyeglasses and eye-care packages, medical kits, water kits, crutches, wheelchairs, immunization packages, and psychosocial support, among others. 

Unlike previous years, donors now have the option to contribute via cash or e-payment alternatives, including GCash and AliPay, making cashless donations easier. The Church covers all operational costs for every donated item made through the Giving Machines, ensuring that 100 percent of every donation goes to the recipients identified by our participating nonprofit organizations, including Caritas Manila, Caritas Cebu, Feed The Children, Inc., HERO Foundation, Inc., Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and UNICEF.

As a special gift for select donors this year, some product cards inside the Manila Giving Machines will contain unique Tabernacle Choir stickers. Donors can trade these stickers for special tickets for the upcoming February 2024 concert of the Choir in the Philippines.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a world-renowned choir established in 1847 that has performed at many prestigious events, including US Presidential inaugurations. Currently, the Choir is on its first-ever world tour, with the Philippines as its second stop after Mexico. Since 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hosted Giving Machines in the Philippines, one of only six countries worldwide to do so every Christmas season. To date, the Giving Machines have collected over US$22 million in donations for beneficiaries across the globe.

Each Christmas season, the Church’s #LightTheWorld initiative invites all people to follow the loving example of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, by caring for individuals one by one.

The Church hopes to inspire people to find unique ways to love, share, and invite one another to light the world. As individuals around the globe inspire and support one another in embodying the radiant teachings of Christ, His illuminating light and boundless love will more profoundly touch the lives of those in search of healing, hope, and authentic joy.

FIND OUT MORE: 

What is #LightTheWorld? 

Every Christmas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the birth and life of Jesus Christ through the #LightTheWorld initiative. The initiative encourages people to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, by caring for individuals one by one throughout December. 

What makes these vending machines unique?

As part of the #LightTheWorld initiative, individuals can perform an instant service at special vending machines called Giving Machines. Instead of every donor receiving an item for themselves, Giving Machines are designed to provide for those in need.

Whom do the donations benefit? 

Each Giving Machine will offer much-needed items for purchase from various local and global charity partners. The vending machines will meticulously account for all donations, ensuring the amount purchased goes to each charity.

How is my money used? 

One hundred percent of your donation will be used for the purchased item or similar items or services of greater need, as determined by the applicable charitable organization. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers administrative costs for this initiative.

How long will the Giving Machines be available in the malls? 

The machines will be accessible from the date of the launch until January 1, 2024.

How can I help with this initiative? 

Sharing your Giving Machine experience with friends and family, as well as posting about the machines on your social media accounts and channels can inspire people to give and help others.

Embrace life, nature, and enduring memories at True Vine Garden Columbary, reshaping Cebu's investment landscape. Strategically located just 10 minutes from SM Seaside City Cebu, it's your sanctuary amid urban hustle. 

Lush botanical gardens and sustainable indigenous materials weave a narrative of unspoiled natural beauty at True Vine Garden Columbary. Here, the Fire Tree dances in harmony with the Palawan Cherry Blossom, and the Yellow Copperpod Tree shares its secrets with the Jacaranda—a tribute to the rich tropical heritage of the Philippines. 

President and CEO Joseph So, Jr., envisions it as a serene haven for celebrating life and cherished moments. 

Inspired by Cebu's vibrant beauty, True Vine features indigenous trees, embodying the timeless wisdom of the Gospel of John: "I am the True Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." 

Beyond spiritual significance, True Vine offers practical investment, especially for the younger generation. Its unique approach to Memorial Trees, elegant urn styles for distinct personality expression, and vaults crafted from premium natural stone set it apart as a sought-after choice. 

When you invest in True Vine, you're not merely acquiring property; you are weaving a legacy for generations to come. You are making a financial decision that resonates with your heartfelt desire to preserve the memory of your loved ones. 

Seek sanctuary where life blooms eternal, where ripples of love and influence continue to spread, and your cherished ones find their place in the tapestry of existence. For inquiries on detailed pricing information and investment options, visit our Facebook page or contact us at +639565983732 and ceb7fields@gmail.com

ICanServe Foundation Empowers Patients Breast Cancer Patients with Launch of Comprehensive Patient Manual 

In her keynote address, Department of Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire congratulate |CanServe on the launch of the Manual, saying: ‘| See this manual as not just a publication: it's a lifeline, a source of empowerment, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families affected by breast cancer.”

“What sets apart the |CanServe patient manual, ‘You can Do This! is that it is Philippine and patient centered. To this day, there are gaps in information for the rich, the middle class, and the poor. Patients often feel side effects or symptoms that are unacknowledged and unaddressed. We want patients, carers, caregivers, and health providers to form a circle of support for patients, and to fully share in the journey, beginning with accurate information and acknowledging the unique and nuanced experience of breast cancer patients. This circle of Support equals hope—the one thing you should never take away from a patient," noted Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Founding President, l|CanServe and Vice President for Internal Affairs, Cancer Coalition Philippines.

To download “You Can Do This: A Breast Cancer Patient’s Manual,” visit httos://www.icanservefoundation.org/patients-manual.

About ICANSERVE Foundation ICANSERVE Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1999 to provide information and a circle of support for women diagnosed with breast cancer. From a support group working to empower Women with accurate information on breast cancer, ICANSERVE has evolved and expanded its advocacy to promote breast cancer control programs on the national and local level. As a founding member of Cancer Coalition Philippines, ICANSERVE was instrumental in the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act in 2019: the first legislation of its kind in Southeast. Asia. The foundation continues to advocate for the full implementation of the law to ensure that no cancer patient gets left behind.

For more information about ICanServe, please visit https://www.icanservefoundation.org/ or

send an email to info@icanservefoundation.org

CEBU CITY, Philippines. In celebration of this year’s mental health month, Barangay Lahug, conducted a forum on mental health awareness last Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the Lahug Barangay Hall. The event is made possible through the efforts of its barangay council spearheaded by Hon. Michael Paquibot, Chairman on the Barangay Committee on Health, Hospital Services, and Sanitation. 

The gathering is one of the prime initiatives of Lahug’s Barangay Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU), a program dedicated to provide assistance to the mental needs of its residents. BBHU is a brainchild of psychologist Manuel “Pocholo” de Los Santos, who also served as the resource speaker of the recently concluded forum. De Los Santos is also the program director of BBHU.

Hon. Michael Paquibot welcomed the participants of the forum by highlighting the importance of mental health. He noted its relevance in a society that has collectively faced the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hon. Paquibot also lauded the people behind BBHU, particularly Hon. Mary Ann de Los Santos, for their efforts and support since its launching in 2019. 

The Fundamentals of Mental Health

Mental health issues have been much more prevalent during the past 20 years, particularly among young individuals. The mental health crisis has been referred to as a "second pandemic" by some specialists since it has been accelerated by the pressures of the COVID-19 epidemic and trauma of the previous year.

At the onset of his speech, psychologist Manuel “Pocholo” de Los Santos presented the integrated health concept, explaining that health, is composed of an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual domain. He also discussed the behavior triad which is the result of a person’s thoughts and feelings. 

De Los Santos emphasized the value of cultivating good energy in maintaining a sound mind. “This flow of good energy comes from the depth of your being. When you are filled with this energy, you feel like you can take over the world,” de Los Santos shared. He added that when good energy is blocked, negativities come in place. 

De Los Santos cited having a spiritual heart as the key point in allowing good energy to flow into someone’s life. “You have a wellspring of beautiful energy inside of you. When you are open, you feel it. When you are close, you don’t,” he said. 

Participants were then presented with an expert-backed and practical guide on how to stay open. Among the strategies presented by de Los Santos is to keep one’s heart and mind open, and to deal with any life experience with awareness. He shared that the most important thing in life is inner energy, which can be improved through meditation, awareness, and willful efforts. 

The forum was graced by content creators coming from various groups. Present during the event are some members of Cebu Online News Press Corps, Sugbo Digital Influencers (SugDI), and Bisaya YouTubers Club (BYC). 

Barangay Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU)

Lahug’s Barangay Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU) aims to educate people down to the grassroots level to be able to reach out to those who urgently needs it. Among the projects initiated by the BBHU are psycho-educational programs, individual therapies, couple therapy and skills training. 

BBHU is composed of a team of professionals working together to achieve its goals. To date, BBHU has psychiatrists, two psychologists, and psycho-social workers. 

People with mental health disorders frequently face significant human rights breaches, discrimination, and stigma. Despite the fact that many mental health illnesses may be successfully treated for comparatively little money, there is still a wide disparity between those who require care and those who have access to it. 

De Los Santos hopes to redefine mental health through their efforts. “People really don’t know. When you talk about mental health, they talk about - crazy, but mental health is different from the disorder,” de Los Santos shared. 

BBHU is open to help and accommodate anyone who needs mental health assistance. The group is working together with medical groups in Metro Cebu to cater emergency cases. 

BBHU will hold a separate forum on mental health disorders next week to further spread awareness on the matter. Its office is located in the Lahug Barangay Health Center.

 Converge leads Netflix’ ISP Speed Index in December 2021

Leading fiber broadband operator Converge ICT Solutions Inc. remains to be the ISP providing the best streaming Netflix experience among the country's players, landing on top of the Netflix ISP Speed Index Leaderboard at the end of 2021, according to the content streaming giant.

The Netflix ISP Speed Index Philippines shows every month which internet service providers give the superior primetime Netflix viewing experience in the country. Faster ISP Speed Index performance generally means better picture quality, quicker start times, and fewer interruptions when watching movies, TV series, and other content on Netflix.

"We're delighted to be recognized by Netflix, the biggest content streaming service provider in the world, for delivering the best digital experience to their users in the Philippines. We've been steadily improving our speed throughout the year, a testament that we're committed to uplift the digital life of subscribers," noted Converge Co-founder and CEO Dennis Uy.

“Video streaming is one of the most demanding applications on the internet. It not only requires speed but high quality connection as well, otherwise users experience buffering, pixelization and slow-loading times. We have designed our network to have low-delay or latency, no congestion, no packet loss and minimal outages to ensure that our customers have an enjoyable and uninterrupted video viewing experience. We recognize our position in the Netflix ISP Speed Index Philippines as affirmation of the quality service we offer our customers,” added Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero.

In the December 2021 report, Converge registered a Netflix average speed of 3.6 Mbps, putting it toe to toe with Sky Cable for the month. The Netflix ISP speed of 3.6 Mbps outpaces the Philippines' average speed of 3.4 Mbps, and is the highest speed garnered by the fiber broadband provider in 2021.

Converge has seen its ISP speed improve by 11% since the start of 2021 when it logged a speed of 3.2 Mbps. Converge has consistently topped the monthly Netflix ISP Speed Index in 2021, staying on No. 1 of the Leaderboard for 11 months during the year.

Converge, in November, gave its nearly 1.6 million subscribers a free speed upgrade of up to 800 Mbps. This comes as the fiber broadband provider completed its national digital highway in the same quarter, essentially connecting all the major islands of the Philippines to its fiber backbone.

Abo

ut Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.

Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE:CNVRG) is the leading pure fiber data network and internet service provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge is ISO 9001 and CE2.0 Certified.