A celebration of creativity, innovation, and opportunity. The Mindanao Hair Summit is a groundbreaking platform where talented hair artists breathe life into their craft, turning hair into a true centerpiece of art and lifestyle.

The Mindanao Hair Summit 2025 features a powerful lineup of speakers who are leaders in the barbering and beauty industry. Kicking off the morning session is Glenn Ford “Balong” Alana, owner of the four-branch Balong Barbershop in Digos City and president of the Digos Barber Advocacy. Known for his numerous awards in national and international barber competitions, Balong will speak on “The Importance of Education: A Personal Journey.” Joining him is Chunks Pude, co-founder of Barracks Barbers & Shaves and marketing head of Armory Supply Co., who will share his experience on “Building a Business from a Pair of Scissors.” Also taking the stage in the morning is Jeson “SJ Barber” Sampan, a multi-awarded barber and president of the Davao Barbers Advocacy. He will also discuss “The Importance of Education: A Personal Journey,” offering another inspiring perspective on how continuous learning shaped his path.

The summit continues with Kim Ryan “Kimboii the Barber” Antiga, a Cagayan de Oro-based celebrity barber, who will speak about “Building an Edge in a Growing City,” aimed at encouraging innovation and local pride in the industry. Following him is Dansel “Dancel” Dearos, an award-winning barber who has earned top placements in multiple competitions, who will present his topic, “How Knowing the HOWS Made Me.” Wrapping up the speaker segment is Clloyd Luna Dayon, also known as “TheEMCEEBarber,” owner of Dayon Studios and a respected educator and host in the barbering community. He will deliver a talk titled “Growing in Your Niche Market: Know Who Your Customers Are,” drawing from his work with local athletes and personalities.

The summit will feature:

• Live Demos & Masterclasses from industry leaders and international stylists
• Hair Competitions showcasing creativity and technical mastery
• Panel Talks on salon business, branding, and client care
• Product Exhibits from top brands and suppliers
• Networking Opportunities with professionals across Mindanao

For Entrepreneurs: Explore New Business Opportunities: Learn how to turn your passion for beauty and hairstyling into a thriving business.

For Career Shifters: A Fresh Start: Whether you’re looking for a career overhaul or exploring a new passion, hairstyling could be your creative outlet and next big step.

For Side Hustlers: Flexible Income Potential: Learn how to turn hairstyling into a side hustle that fits your schedule while earning additional income. Be Your Own Boss: Discover how to take control of your time and income by offering hairstyling services in your community or online. This isn't just an event; it's a movement—a catalyst for opportunities, learning, and self-expression!

Join the revolution in hair artistry and lifestyle. Be part of the first—and history-making—Mindanao Hair Summit! Follow @TheMindanaoHairSummit on Facebook for more updates. REGISTER NOW: https://forms.gle/ZYZQPMnctpcNW1Ca8

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson recently refiled the “Parents Welfare Act of 2025”, a bill that seeks to penalize children who abandon or neglect their elderly parents. At first glance, the proposal seems noble. Who wouldn’t want our seniors—who’ve raised us, worked hard, and contributed to society—to be treated with love and respect?

But dig a little deeper, and the problems start to unfold.

The Heart of the Issue

The bill aims to criminalize neglect of elderly parents, imposing penalties, fines, and even possible imprisonment on children who “abandon” them. While we all agree that elders deserve care and dignity, the bigger question is: Is punishing their children really the best solution?

In a country where millions of Filipinos live paycheck to paycheck, where public elder care services are nearly nonexistent, and where the cost of healthcare is rising, this kind of legislation can quickly turn from well-meaning to damaging.

Poverty Is Not Neglect

Here’s the thing—not everyone who fails to support their aging parents is uncaring. Some simply can’t afford it. The pandemic alone devastated the finances of countless Filipino families. Many breadwinners today juggle raising children, paying bills, and surviving inflation. Adding a legal threat to that pressure may only push families further apart.

Instead of solving the root issue, the bill shifts the government’s responsibility to individuals who are already burdened. It fails to consider cases where children are doing their best, but their “best” isn’t enough to meet the standards this law would impose.

What About Government Support?

If the senator truly wants to improve the lives of senior citizens, why not focus on expanding public eldercare programs, improving PhilHealth coverage, increasing senior pensions, or even creating accessible care homes?

In countries like Japan or the Netherlands, the government provides comprehensive care for the elderly—not just out of kindness, but because it’s a social responsibility. Here in the Philippines, we still see our elders begging for medicine, lining up for ayuda, or working despite their old age.

This shouldn’t be happening.

Legal Action May Tear Families Apart

Another scary reality: families will suffer even more under this bill. Legal action can create resentment, shame, and long-term emotional trauma. Imagine an elderly parent, out of frustration, taking their child to court. That’s not justice—that’s a broken system being passed off as a solution.

And what if the parent has dementia or other mental health concerns? What if there’s a history of abuse? The bill does not account for these complexities. It paints a one-size-fits-all image of family relationships, which we know is far from the reality.

What We Actually Need

If lawmakers truly want to help our lolos and lolas, here are better, more proactive solutions:

• Increase monthly pensions and make them accessible even to seniors who didn’t have formal jobs.
• Provide free maintenance medication and medical checkups for all senior citizens.
• Subsidize caregiving services and offer financial support to children caring for aging parents.
• Create safe, state-run elder care facilities in every city or province.

These would directly improve the lives of our elders without destroying already fragile family dynamics.

Yes, we must care for our elderly. That’s not even up for debate. But you don’t solve poverty and systemic neglect with punishment. You solve it with compassion, proper planning, and sustainable support from the state.

Laws should uplift, not divide. And in this case, Lacson’s refiled bill—though probably well-intentioned—misses the mark.

[Cagayan de Oro, Philippines] – Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Autoverse Expo 2025 is set to take center stage this August 8–10, at the Centrio Ayala Mall Activity Center. This groundbreaking event marks Cagayan de Oro’s first and largest automotive essentials expo, featuring a dynamic lineup of exhibitors, industry players, and automotive enthusiasts from across the region.

Autoverse Expo 2025 serves as a one-stop destination for automotive businesses to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience. There will be a wide variety of automotive essentials, from tires, batteries, lubricants, and auto parts and car care products—all under one roof. 

Why Join Autoverse Expo 2025 as an Exhibitor?

This three-day expo offers unmatched opportunities for exhibitors to:

• Boost brand visibility in one of the country's most rapidly growing automotive markets.
• Engage directly with customers and industry professionals.
• Forge valuable partnerships while exploring new business opportunities.
• Showcase your products to a diverse audience in the vibrant automotive scene of Cagayan de Oro.

With its strategic location in Centrio Ayala Mall, Autoverse Expo 2025 is perfectly positioned to attract attendees from varying demographics, ranging from professionals and hobbyists to car owners seeking the latest automotive innovations and solutions.

Booth Rates and Inclusions Take your business to the forefront with these exhibitor packages: 🧾 BOOTH RATES: ₱35,000 – One (1) 2m x 2m Booth ₱65,000 – Two (2) 2m x 2m Booths 💡 Reservation Fee: A non-refundable fee of ₱5,000 per booth is required within 7 days of reservation. Inclusions per booth: One (1) 2m x 2m booth space Fascia board featuring your brand name Fluorescent lampset (2) Chairs (1) Info table (1) Convenience outlet (electricity use not included) 4.5 sqm gray carpet 📌 Please note: All reservation fees are considered liquidated damages and are non-refundable. 📲 For inquiries on payment and complete booking details, message us directly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576779740530 Limited Slots Available! We invite you to be part of something big—join us and bring your brand to life at Autoverse Expo 2025!

CDO, Philippines – The countdown begins for the much-anticipated World Travel Expo @ Northern Mindanao, happening this July 25 to 27, 2025 at Ayala Malls Centrio—and to kick things off, a successful press conference was held on July 3, 2025 at New Dawn Plus Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

The event gathered members of the media, travel influencers, tourism stakeholders, and local bloggers as they got the first look at what’s in store for the first-ever World Travel Expo in Northern Mindanao. With the theme “Discover Beauty, Explore Freely,” this regional expo aims to connect travelers with exciting destinations, tour providers, and travel deals—all under one roof.

✨ Panel of Tourism Champions

The press conference featured key panelists who are not only industry leaders but also proud participants of the upcoming expo:

🔹 Ms. Cynthia Ramilla and Ms. Danica Galamiton of Amaya View, one of CDO’s top leisure destinations, shared insights on how the expo can boost local tourism and promote hidden gems in the city.

🔹 Ms. Maria Chona Antimano, Operations Manager of New Dawn Hotel, emphasized the city’s readiness to host bigger tourism events and accommodate both local and international guests.

🔹 Mr. May Cris Bragat, owner of ElCrest Travel and Tours, highlighted the importance of collaboration among tour operators to create engaging travel packages not just around Northern Mindanao—but within Cagayan de Oro itself.

🔹 Ms. Mildred Caballero, Managing Director of Ad Asia Events Group OPC, the team behind the WTE, led the conversation on the expo’s mission to expand regional tourism and open more opportunities for both travelers and brands.

Each panelist answered questions from the media and content creators—touching on topics such as how to position CDO as a true tourist destination (not just a gateway), how travel expos empower local businesses, and what to expect during the 3-day event.

🛜 Stronger Connections with Official Event Partners

This year’s WTE @ Northern Mindanao also announced exciting partnerships:

✅ Converge ICT Solutions will serve as the official connectivity partner, ensuring smooth and reliable internet access for all exhibitors and attendees throughout the expo. This will support digital booking systems, content uploads, live engagements, and seamless transactions.

✅ GCash joins as the official digital finance partner, empowering cashless convenience for both exhibitors and guests. Expect a more efficient, safe, and modern way of paying and interacting with businesses on the expo floor.

With these partners on board, WTE is set to deliver a next-level experience—seamlessly blending tourism, technology, and convenience.

🗺️ What to Expect at WTE @ Northern Mindanao

Happening for the first time in Cagayan de Oro, the World Travel Expo @ Northern Mindanao will feature:

✅ Exclusive travel promos and discounts

It’s a great opportunity for tourists, travelers, creators, and entrepreneurs to connect, explore, and discover what makes Northern Mindanao a must-visit destination.

📍 Mark your calendars:
🗓️ Expo Dates: July 25–27, 2025
🏢 Venue: Ayala Malls Centrio, Cagayan de Oro City
📰 Presscon Venue: New Dawn Hotel Plus, July 3, 2025

Cagayan de Oro is ready to shine on the tourism map—and WTE @ Northern Mindanao is only the beginning.

Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, continues its commitment to regional development and real estate expansion through a stunning spectacle of its newest residential developments in Pagadian City, Zamboanga City, and General Santos City. Titled Exquisite: Refining Modern Lifestyles in Mindanao, the event gathered Vista Land executives, employees, and business partners for an immersive presentation of culture and communities that embody the evolving achievements and aspirations of the Filipino way of life.

Hosted by the reigning Hiyas ng Pilipinas and Miss Tourism World Philippines, Marela Juaman, whose poised and polished presence guided the proceedings of the afternoon, the occasion opened with an outstanding performance by Step One Dance Company. Their interpretive interlude also echoed themes of movement and Mindanaoan cultural motifs, mirroring the Vista Land mission of nurturing neighborhoods that resonate with the distinct character and contemporary design of the region. Complementing the residential offerings was a presentation from Strategic Commercial Assets Group, offering a glimpse into upcoming commercial opportunities across Mindanao.

Exquisite highlighted Camella Courtyard, Andaluz Villas, and Altaria by Crown Asia, reflecting the diversity of the region while anticipating the demand for elevated and enriching lifestyles. With its strategic positioning across emerging business districts in Mindanao, Vista Land crosses the threshold of this real estate frontier, delivering refined, resilient, and regionally attuned communities for pioneering professionals, growing families, and Overseas Filipinos. 

In his keynote address, Engr. Ric Pallesco, Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, emphasized the rising trajectory of Mindanao as an economic powerhouse. "Mindanao is now firmly at the heart of progress and prosperity," he shared. "Vista Land is proud to support this shift by introducing housing solutions that honor both tradition and transformation—created for present-day lifestyles while built for the needs of tomorrow."

Rooted in refinement

Exquisite unveiled three residential developments that demonstrate Vista Land’s signature strengths, including premium locations, accessibility to essential establishments and services, and amenities that enrich the overall quality of life of its residents. 

Camella Courtyard in Pagadian City is a secure and stylish enclave featuring spacious layouts, expansive open spaces, and linking greenways that harmonize sanctuary with shared spaces. Strategically located near transportation hubs, local institutions, and essential establishments, it supports multigenerational living in one of the most promising provincial capitals.

Andaluz Villas at Vista Estates returns for a sophomore salvo in Zamboanga City, offering lot-only properties within a Spanish-inspired enclave that values space, security, and regional identity. Whether securing a parcel of land for a family home, a minimalist retreat, or mixed-use settings that accommodate hybrid setups, it empowers homeowners and investors to build according to their preferences. 

Altaria by Crown Asia introduces an upscale lifestyle experience within its themed development in General Santos City, positioned as the preferred address for discerning homebuyers and investors seeking refined everyday living in the southernmost city.

To learn more about Vista Land and its developments nationwide, visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

The spotlight is back, and it’s brighter than ever!

SM Little Stars 2025 has officially launched its nationwide search for the next wave of talented and charming young performers — and the stakes are higher than ever with over ₱15 million worth of prizes waiting for this year’s brightest stars!

This much-awaited competition is open to kids aged 4 to 7 who love to sing, dance, act, or showcase any special talent that can wow an audience. But SM Little Stars isn’t just a talent show — it’s a celebration of confidence, creativity, and character, giving children the opportunity to shine on stage and beyond.

✨ What’s in store for this year’s winners?

Prepare to be amazed! The grand prize lineup includes:

This is not just a moment in the limelight — it’s a leap toward a future filled with opportunity and potential.

📍 Catch the CDO Screening!

The final preliminary screening in Cagayan de Oro will take place on:

🗓 July 5, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
📍 Mall Atrium – Ground Level, SM City CDO Uptown

Parents, this is your moment to let your little ones shine and be part of a life-changing journey! Whether it’s their first time on stage or they’re born performers, SM Little Stars 2025 is the perfect platform to nurture their talents and boost their confidence.

🎤 Ready to Sign Up?

Register and learn more by visiting:
👉 https://smmalls.com/SMLittleStars 
Or sign up directly via:
👉 https://smmallsonline.page.link/EBqYZ1C7MZ3ZPAr69

Let your child sparkle in front of a live audience and esteemed judges — and who knows, they might just be the next SM Little Star!

SM Foundation activated its disaster response program, Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), to assist residents affected by recent fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro and Bacoor, Cavite.

On June 3, the foundation distributed over 130 Kalinga Packs to families affected by a fire in Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

A separate OPTE initiative was conducted on June 9 in Barangay Talaba III, Bacoor, Cavite, following another fire incident. The foundation provided assistance to 200 affected families.

OPTE is a social good program of SM Foundation, implemented in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, aimed at delivering immediate relief to communities during calamities and emergencies.

The SM Foundation distributed over 130 Kalinga Packs to families affected by a fire in Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

SM Supermalls employee-volunteers led the distribution of the Kalinga Packs.

The foundation distributed Kalinga Packs, containing food and other essential items to the fire victims.