Earth Hour 2026: National Lights-Off milestone re-affirms SM’s commitment to shared action

SM Supermalls has once again led a meaningful local observance of the global Earth Hour. Through a symbolic lights-off practice held at all SM Malls has re-affirmed its strong commitment toward shared responsibility, environmental awareness, and community action across all of its most-loved malls.

From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, all SM malls nationwide switched off non-essential lights as mallgoers, tenants, and communities came together to take part in activities that made sustainability more visible, more relatable, and more personal. Through SM Cares, Earth Hour became more than a scheduled observance in the evening—it became a reminder that small choices, when done together through empowered communities, can help build a better future.

SM City Fairview joins local leaders and community partners in observing Earth Hour 2026, affirming a shared commitment to climate action.

A live acoustic set at SM CDO Downtown Premier marks Earth Hour 2026, using music to bring communities together during the symbolic lights-off hour.

Across SM’s most-loved malls, visitors were also treated to glow-in-the-dark activities, sustainability-themed installations, tenant eco-promotions, youth and community engagement efforts, and social media storytelling activations that encouraged and empowered everyone to think more deeply about energy conservation and the role each person can play in caring for the environment. These efforts reflected SM’s continuing commitment to making sustainability not only informative, but also engaging and community-driven.

SM Supermalls continues to use its spaces to make environmental action easy and accessible all for Filipinos. Earth Hour at SM was not simply about switching off lights—it amplified the need to sustain conversations on climate action and the need for continued, everyday acts that preserve and protect the environment.

Young kids showcase Earth-themed artworks at the Book Nook in SM North EDSA, highlighting the importance of engaging young minds in environmental awareness.

Runners kick off the Earth Hour Run 2026 at SM City Sto. Tomas, uniting fitness and sustainability in one shared movement.

The SM City San Mateo community marks Earth Hour 2026 with a bike activity that promotes eco‑friendly mobility and collective action for a greener future.

Participants at SM City Baliwag celebrates Earth Hour 2026 by turning movement into momentum for the planet.

This year’s Earth Hour participation also carried record environmental value. 6,079 kwh in energy savings resulted from the one-hour lights-off initiative across malls nationwide. This is equivalent to over 10,400 miles or 16,737 km driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle or 9.5 barrels of oil consumed.

“Earth Hour reminds us that even the simplest actions, when done together, can create meaningful impact. Here at SM, we continue to open spaces where communities can learn, participate, and take part in protecting the environment—always all for you, and all for the planet,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin.

For SM Supermalls, Earth Hour is one of many ways it continues to encourage greener lifestyles for present and future generations. By turning mall spaces into venues for awareness, participation, and action, SM helps communities see that sustainability is not distant or complicated—it can begin with one hour, one decision, and one shared commitment to care for the planet.

𝐄𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀. 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐨, h𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐨𝐧 2026

Gagawaran ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) si Eugene Geibrielle A. Nacino ng KWF Talaang Ginto: Makata ng Taon 2026 pára sa kaniyang tulang: “Asín sa Hasang ng Lupà.” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP30,000.00 (net), tropeo, at medalya.

Nagwagi naman si Joseph E. Cemena ng Ikalawang Gantimpala pára sa kaniyang tulang “Lubid ng mga Tinig.”

𝐋𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠, nagwagi bilang 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐬 2026 𝐬𝐚 m𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 k𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐚

Ipagkakaloob kina Lexter P. Jackson (Kategoryang Sekundarya) at Alex Handig (Kategoryang Tersiyarya) ang Unang Gantimpala sa kani-kanilang kategorya ng KWF Tulang Senyas 2026. Makatatanggap silá ng PHP10,000 (net), plake, at medalya.

Gagawaran si Lexter P. Jackson para sa kaniyang tulang senyas na “Pitong Araw ng Paglikha” at gagawaran naman si Alex Handig para sa kaniyang tulang senyas na “Punò ng Búhay.” 

Nanalo rin si June Lorinser M. Mojica ng Ikalawang Gantimpala (Kategoryang Tersiyarya) sa kaniyang tulang senyas na “Ang Nakatagong Pagdurusa ng Pagkawala ng Pandinig.”

Nagwagi naman ng Ikatlong Gantimpala (Kategoryang Tersiyarya) sa kaniyang tulang senyas na “Lakbay ng Lahi” si Mharck Daniel C. Carreon.

Si Lexter P. Jackson ay kasalukuyang nasa Junior High School sa Benilde Deaf School, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde kung saan siya ay nagwagi sa timpalak sa pagtula. Ilan sa kaniyang mga talento ay pagkuha ng retrato at pag-aayos ng mga video. Hilig niya ang paglalaro ng chess, badminton, volleyball, at table tennis.

Si Alex Handig ay kasalukuyang nag-aaral sa De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde na may kursong Bachelor in Applied Deaf Students with Specialization in Visual Multimedia Arts. Siya rin ay isang aktibong Deaf student-leader advocate. Ilan sa kaniyang mga kakayahan ay paggamit ng Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, Canva, at pagkuha ng retrato. Siya rin ay isang FSL signer.

Ang Timpalak sa Tulang Senyas ay kauna-unahang patimpalak sa pagtula sa pasenyas na paraan. Itinaguyod ito ng KWF na naglalayong palaganapin ang FSL bilang tunay na wika, pagsulong ng Filipino Deaf culture sa pamamagitan ng panitikan, kilalanin at bigyang-puwang ang di-matatawarang kakayahan at husay ng mga kababayang Deaf, at makapag-ambag sila sa panulaang Filipino ng kanilang obra sa pamamagitan ng pasenyas na pagtula.

Ang KWF Araw ng Parangal 2026 ay gaganapin sa 29 Abril 2026.

𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, g𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐖𝐅 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧 2026

Gagawaran si Dionisio Soliven Bulong ng KWF Dangal ng Panitikan 2026 sa Kategoryang Indibidwal ngayong pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Panitikan 2026.

Sa loob ng ilang dekada, si Dionisio Soliven Bulong, manunulát, nobelísta, at editor ay naging haligi ng panitikang Ilokano sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga nobela at akda na sumasalamin sa búhay, kaisipan, at damdamin ng mga Ilokano. Kabilang sa kaniyang mga kinikilalang akda ang Fighting Pogi 1 at 2 at Matayakon Rosing, na patuloy na minamahal ng mga mambabasa sa loob at labas ng bansa. 

𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐒, g𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐖𝐅 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧 2026

Gagawaran ang GUMIL Filipinas (Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat Nga Ilokano iti Filipinas ken Ballasiw-Taaw) para sa Kategoryang Institusyon/Samahan ng KWF Dangal ng Panitikan 2026 ngayong pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Panitikan 2026.

Ang GUMIL Filipinas (Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat Nga Ilokano iti Filipinas ken Ballasiw-Taaw) ay isa sa pinakaaktibong grupo ng mga rehiyonal na manunulat sa Pilipinas. Mayroon itong daan-daang aktibong manunulat-miyembro sa iba’t ibang probinsiya at munisipyo gayundin sa ibang bansa gaya sa mainland U.S. at Hawaii, California, Hongkong, Italy at Greece. 

Isa sa mga pangunahing layunin ng GUMIL Filipinas ay pagyamanin ang panitikang Ilokano at pamana ng kultura sa pamamagitan ng paglalathala ng mga aklat ng tula, maikling kuwento, sanaysay, nobela, mga salaysay ng kasaysayan, pananaliksik at kritikal na pag-aaral, at iba pang mga sulatin. Sila rin ay nagbibigay ng suporta sa mga Ilokanong manunulat para sa lalo pang pagpapabuti ng kasanayan sa pagsulat ng mga akdang pampanitikan, pangkasaysayan, at pampananaliksik.

Ang Gawad Dangal ng Panitikan ay ang pinakamataas na pagkilala sa naiambag sa panitikang Pilipino o lifetime achievement award. Binibigyang-pagpupugay nito ang natatanging manunulat na nagpakita ng pagpapahalaga sa kultura, kaakuhan, at kayamanang pamana, bukod sa pambihirang pagkasangkapan sa Filipino at iba pang katutubong wika. Ang gagawaran ay makatatanggap ng busto ni Balagtas, plake, at medalya.

Ang KWF Araw ng Parangal 2026 ay gaganapin sa 29 Abril 2026.

Happy Walk 2026 assembles 10,500 advocates, breaking record as largest gathering for Down Syndrome in Asia

Participants of Happy Walk 2026 at SMX Convention Center - Manila come together in a joyful display of unity and support for individuals with Down syndrome, reinforcing the message that inclusion thrives when communities walk forward as one.

Happy Walk 2026 broke records as the largest gathering of allies for the Down Syndrome community in Asia with 10,500 advocates gathering all over the country as the strongest show of solidarity and empowerment to date.

SM reinforces public safety through nationwide Fire Prevention Month programs

Participants from SM Supermalls, the Bureau of Fire Protection, partner agencies, and community volunteers come together for the Fire Prevention Month activities, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety, preparedness, and building disaster-resilient communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and community resilience, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led a series of impactful, nationwide initiatives in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, empowering Filipinos with life-saving knowledge, preparedness skills, and a shared responsibility for fire safety across its network of most-loved malls.

Mounted through SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill engaged almost 30,000 participants composed of SM employees, tenant employees, security and janitorial personnel, students, mall goers, and residents of barangays near SM malls which wasa 30% increase in participants versus the previous year.

Women on Fire: Women firefighters take part in the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill on March 3 at SM Mall of Asia, showcasing courage, skill, and leadership while advancing the role of women in safety, service, and community protection.

With the theme ‘Sa pag-iwas sa sunog hindi ka nag-iisa, kababaihan kasama mo!’, the drill strengthened coordination in emergency response, especially helping communities practice life-saving evacuation procedures. In addition, the Fire Square Road Show brought interactive fire safety education to the public across 16 participating SM malls, reaching 8,611 participants through demonstrations, equipment showcases, and hands-on safety activities designed for families, students, and community members. 

A large-scale Fire Prevention Month illumination at the SM Mall of Asia Globe featured a dramatic “Venus Symbol Formation” created by 263 fire trucks and emergency vehicles, with 2,827 participants, honoring firefighters and raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

The search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) 2026 was formally launched with officers of SM, BFP and DILG headed by Usec. Rolando C. Puno as Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS). TOFF is on its 3^rd solid year of recognizing Filipino firefighters for their exemplary service in fire safety and protection, emergency response, community education, and resilience-building initiatives. This highlights the partnership between SM Prime and BFP for a safer, more resilient Philippines.

𝐊𝐖𝐅 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬-𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐉𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐧𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 '𝐥𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠 𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧'

Nagbigay ng isang mapanghamong mensahe si Tagapangulog Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa mga nagsipagtapos na mag-aaral sa ika-75 Seremonya ng Pagtatapos ng St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA) noong 27 Marso 2026, sa St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church-Poblacion.

Call for Submission: 2nd Asian Short Film Fund (ASFF)

The second edition of Asian Short Film Fund (ASFF), a continued collaboration between 香港國際電影節 Hong Kong International Film Festival and Nowness Asia, is now open for submissions!

The ASFF invites aspiring directors and producers to submit short film proposals from 10 April to 5 June 2026.  Three selected projects will receive up to US$35,000 in funding, mentorship from veteran filmmakers Lav Diaz, Oh Jung-Wan, and Yeh Ju-Feng for support in script development and production. 

Ten shortlisted projects will participate in an online open-pitch session in July.  Following the pitch, representatives from the three selected projects will be invited to attend one-on-one meetings with the mentors, with the results announced later in August.

SUBMIT NOW: https://asff.hafapplication.com/

香港國際電影節協會（HKIFFS）與 NOWNESS ASIA 攜手推出第二屆「亞洲短片基金」，今日開始徵件！

亞洲區內新銳導演及製作人可於2026年4月10日至6月5日期間提交短片企劃。最終獲選的三個項目將各獲最高35,000美元資助，並由拉夫狄亞茲、吳姃琓、葉如芬擔任導師，提供劇本開發、技術製作及國際發行等全方位支援。

評審團將甄選十個入圍企劃於7月初舉行網上公開提案會。最終獲選項目將於8月下旬公布，入圍團隊將與導師於香港進行一對一交流，為作品面世作準備。

立即投件：https://asff.hafapplication.com/

Ginunita ang ika-238 kaarawan ni Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar

Ginanap ang paggunita sa ika-238 kaarawan ni Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar sa Hardin ni Balagtas sa Orion, Bataan, bilang pagkilala sa kaniyang mahalagang ambag sa panitikang Filipino at sa patuloy na inspirasyong hatid ng kaniyang mga akda sa sambayanan.