Friday, March 21, 2025

Eraserheads announce 2025 concert and new music at Combo On The Run end credits



The Eraserheads have set the stage for something big.

Fans who have stayed until the end credits for Eraserheads: Combo On The Run film were treated to an electrifying surprise: an announcement of an upcoming concert that promises to be even bigger than their last one.

Aptly titled ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL, the outdoor event will take place at SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City on May 31, 2025. While details remain under wraps, early bird tickets will go on sale exclusively via PalawanPay starting March 24, 2025.

The band also hinted to a brand-new song in the end credits, which heightened the anticipation and raised hopes for a future release.  If verified, this would be the Eraserheads' first new release in more than ten years, starting with the 2014 singles "Sabado" and "1995," which were then reissued in 2021 on limited-edition vinyl featuring special remixes. 

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be screening in more than 150 cinemas nationwide and has already received glowing reviews from early screenings. Rappler called it “pure nostalgia juice that no fan can resist” in their spoiler-free review of the film, while GMA News spoke fondly of the material, calling it a “history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture.”

Directed by Diane Ventura, the docu-film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential bands in OPM history. 

As if the surprises are not enough, the Eraserheads will also be making a live, surprise performance at an undisclosed cinema during the documentary’s theatrical run, from March 21 to 23, 2025. Fans can also catch them at the launch of Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE! on March 21, 2025, where they’ll grace one of the three covers of its maiden issue.

With a major concert, potential new music, and a groundbreaking documentary, 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Eheads fans. Stay tuned for more details.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by DVent Pictures and WEU, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

FIBERBLAZE Unveils XtraBOOST and Expands Beyond Cavite in 2025

The all-new FIBERBLAZE XtraBOOST plans


Dasca Cable Services Inc., Meridian Cable TV Inc., Spectrum Cable Network and Broadband Inc., and Infinity Broadband Inc. all carry the domestic fiber internet and digital cable TV brand FIBERBLAZE, which is once again causing a stir.  The introduction of the brand-new XtraBOOST plans allows customers to take advantage of faster internet speeds at the same cost. This action demonstrates FIBERBLAZE's dedication to providing excellent connectivity at competitive prices for Filipino homes and businesses.


XtraBOOST: The Best Deal for Your Home

FIBERBLAZE is offering its customers greater speeds without raising prices with the brand-new XtraBOOST package.  Speeds on Plan 999 will be increased from 150Mbps to 300Mbps, making it ideal for students, small families, and casual users who require uninterrupted HD streaming, quick browsing, and video conversations.  The speeds of Plan 1499 members will increase from 500Mbps to 1Gbps, making it the best plan for people who work from home, play competitive video games, or want to stream 4K content on several devices simultaneously.

All active FIBERBLAZE subscribers on these plans will receive the speed boost automatically, as long as their balances are up to date.

“We’re doubling speeds without increasing costs because we believe in giving more to the people who trust us. Our roots in Cavite have taught us the value of genuine service, and as we grow, we remain committed to providing reliable internet with a human touch—ensuring that our subscribers are always connected and always cared for.” ~Mark Reyes, President of Dasca Cable Services Inc.
FIBERBLAZE General Managers and Brand Ambassadors

Dasca Cable Services Inc. Technical team..


More Options, More Ways to Connect with FIBERBLAZE

Beyond XtraBOOST, FIBERBLAZE continues to offer a range of plans tailored to different needs.

For just PHP 649 a month, FIBERBLAZE Lite provides up to 50Mbps of limitless fiber internet for people who only require the bare minimum. This is ideal for streaming, video calls, and browsing without the added perks.

FIBERBLAZE Enterprise guarantees a steady, fast connection supported by the same XtraBOOST updates for companies who depend on it for seamless operations. This enables smooth productivity and effective workflow.

FIBERBLAZE VIP Plan 2499 offers a premium fiber experience for individuals who desire more than just speed.  This bundle, which is an updated version of Plan 2999, includes 1 Wi-Fi mesh router for seamless house coverage, 1 IP camera to kickstart your smart home security, 1 Android tablet for enhanced productivity, and up to 1Gbps of limitless fiber internet.  A 12-hour service guarantee and VIP treatment are also provided to subscribers, guaranteeing priority support and quicker results.


Expanding Beyond Cavite in 2025

At the moment, FIBERBLAZE is ready for its largest expansion to date and is accessible in DasmariƱas, Imus, Silang, General Trias, Trece Martires, General Mariano Alvarez, and Tanza.  For the first time, it will expand outside Cavite to San Pedro, Laguna, and then Naic, Cavite, in 2025.

Subscribers in a few places, such DasmariƱas and Imus, can also take use of FIBERBLAZE plans that come with digital cable TV. These plans offer 88 premium channels for a full entertainment experience.

For more updates on XtraBOOST, follow @fiberblazeph on social media or visit www.fiberblaze.ph.

From Funeral to Phenomenon: How Luxxe White's "Death" became its Greatest Comeback

“We knew exactly what we were doing. People love drama and controversy and we gave them a spectacle they couldn’t ignore. But instead of failure, they witnessed the rebirth of a legendary and revolutionary product.” ~Sam Verzosa


What happens when the greatest risk in Philippine marketing history is taken by two visionary entrepreneurs?  Magic!

The power couple behind Luxxe White's success, Sam Verzosa and RS Francisco, pulled off an extraordinary marketing ploy that shocked the nation.




The entire country was talking over what was thought to be Luxxe White's demise, but it turned out to be a brilliant strategic move. Even though this unconventional approach verged on being ludicrous and even insane, it works.

The entire country was treated to a spectacle that included billboards throughout the Metro announcing Luxxe White's passing, a lavish funeral at the company's headquarters, a flurry of activity as thousands of product distributors waited in line to buy the "last remaining stocks" of the product, and the most extravagant and immersive launch ever.

Rumors of bankruptcy, failure, and the fall of the empire that Verzosa and Francisco had created and fostered for nearly twenty years were quickly propagated by opponents and critics.

The worst rumors went viral on social media, with some even doubting Verzosa's ability to serve Manila given that he "couldn't even manage his own company."

But they fell for the trap.

The drama was the result of a well-thought-out marketing plan intended to exceed expectations, break the pattern of conventional marketing campaigns, and provide the most memorable product relaunch in Philippine history.




The launch revealed the truth—a rebirth that had never been witnessed or experienced before.

As Luxxe White transformed into Luxxe White Ultima, a larger, better, and more robust product line that redefines wellness, beauty, and health, Luxxe White did not truly become extinct.

This wasn’t just a relaunch – it was a revolution.

Luxxe White Ultima is poised to dominate the market like never before thanks to its more amazing recipe, stronger and more effective components, and revolutionary approach.

The greatest irony is that the people who unintentionally became the largest marketers of Luxxe White Ultima were the ones who reacted adversely and disseminated false information about the company's insolvency.

“We just didn’t launch a product. We created a moment in marketing history. Real visionaries never follow the rules – they rewrite them.” ~RS Francisco

With Boy Abunda serving as host and Michelle Marquez Dee and renowned actress Rhian Ramos being unveiled as the brand's ambassadors, Verzosa and Francisco added a dash of glitz and glamour to the presentation.





The brand also unveiled a line of new double-powered health supplements, including Luxxe White Slim L-Carnitine with garcinia cambogia and a higher dosage of 2,200 milligrams; Luxxe White Renew, which is packed with super berries like acai, goji, and noni fruit with pure barley and moringa; and the incredibly effective Luxxe White Protect, which has a potent 500 milligrams of pure grape seed extract and offers the life-changing benefits of Vitamins C, D, and E. In addition to Luxxe White Ultima, which offers an increased dosage of 1,400 milligrams, the brand boasts a remarkable improvement over its original dosage of 775 milligrams.

Launching a new chapter, the full Luxxe White Ultimate Collection is now exclusively available for purchase from licensed Luxxe White distributors across the globe, ensuring more advantages for lovers of beauty and health.

With Luxxe White Ultima and its Bigger, Better, and Stronger series of supplements, now is the ideal moment to level up and Luxxify in order to enjoy the long-term advantages of improved wellness and attractiveness.

The colloquium held by the National Resilience Council demonstrates that cooperation fosters resilience.

More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.


In order to further the interrelated goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other international commitments, the Philippines' National Resilience Council (NRC), a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, brought together national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector for the event "From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations."

As part of the NRC's Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative, the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium featured updates and developments from participating cities and municipalities.  Through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs, this strategy allows firms to participate in risk reduction rather than just catastrophe relief.  AAC encourages teamwork to create safer, more resilient communities by giving local governments more authority.


National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.


The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.


National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the Academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for Civil Service Organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.


Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies.

“Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” ~Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City Mayor

Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides.

“I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.” ~Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ormoc City Mayor

Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.

The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies - Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.


A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

Two Happy Walkers take small, but meaningful steps with support and fanfare from the SM community.


A national effort to promote awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for people with Down syndrome, Happy Walk 2025 will bring together thousands of families, advocates, and supporters on March 30, 2025.

This year's event, which is being hosted by SM Cares in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), will be held at the SMX Convention Center – Manila. Simultaneous celebrations will be held at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, ensuring that the event is a truly national endeavor to showcase the abilities and goals of people with Down syndrome.


More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

Happy Walk has been a potent movement that celebrates the abilities, contributions, and qualities of people with Down syndrome for more than 20 years.  Communities join together to celebrate not only differences but also common goals and aspirations on this day of joy, acceptance, and unity.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations.” ~Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025.

Participants come together to show love and support for individuals with Down Syndrome

With the involvement of thousands of volunteers, this event is now more than just a walk—it’s a movement for change.


A Nationwide Call for Participation

Happy Walk 2025, with the theme "321 & Beyond," is anticipated to attract thousands of participants, including volunteers, educators, corporate partners, inclusion advocates, and people with Down syndrome and their families.  Performances, motivational tales, and community-building projects are just a few of the events that will highlight the value of diversity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share.” ~Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.
SM Prime Chairman Hans Sy, together with SM Cares and DSAPI members, is celebrating the success of last year’s Happy Walk event.

The Happy Walk community continues to grow in number and contribute to a broader movement of inclusivity and empowerment.


Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.


About SM Cares

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leading initiatives on inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, SM Cares continues to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every SM mall is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.


About DSAPI

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-building efforts like Happy Walk, DSAPI works to create a more inclusive society.

SM Job Fairs: Bringing career opportunities nationwide

SM Retail's Job Fair at SM North EDSA bridges thousands of job seekers with leading employers.


Job searching is now quicker, simpler, and more fulfilling thanks to SM Supermalls!  The SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connected over a thousand job seekers with leading employers, setting the groundwork for 2025.  A statewide series of job fairs in March will maintain the momentum and provide Filipinos with even more chances to advance their professions.


The March schedule includes:
  • March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga
  • March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor
  • March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet
  • March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires
  • March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu

Success stories: Real people, real impact

SM Job Fairs continue to change lives by providing a fresh start, stable incomes, and career growth. Here’s what some of our hired-on-the-spot applicants had to say:


John Paul Arido begins his career journey as a Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket.

“This is the best—I can finally stand on my own and support my family! Thank you, SM Job Fair, for this life-changing opportunity. I hope more job seekers take advantage of this chance to build a better future.” ~John Paul Arido, a newly hired Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket


SM Hypermarket welcomes Maria Patricia De Leon, a new Customer Assistance team member hired instantly.

"Getting hired on the spot was both exciting and overwhelming since this is my first job fair. Thank you, SM, for creating opportunities like this—your job fairs truly make a difference for job seekers like me!" ~Maria Patricia De Leon, hired on the spot for Customer Assistance at SM Hypermarket


Joselito Oniza joins the Watsons team as a proud pharmacist assistant.

"I’m grateful to be hired on the spot after two months of job hunting. This opportunity means so much to me and my family. The SM Job Fair was well-organized, and the staff were very approachable, making the entire process smooth and comfortable.” ~Joselito Oniza, hired pharmacist assistant at Watsons 


Teresa Enriquez, Toy Kingdom’s newest cashier, is excited to start her journey in customer service.

"I’ve been following SM Supermalls’ job fair schedule, hoping for a chance to work for an SM-affiliated company. Being hired on the spot made the wait completely worth it! What sets SM Job Fairs apart is the quality of employers—established, reputable companies that offer real career opportunities. I’m truly grateful for this experience!" ~Teresa Enriquez, Cashier at Toy Kingdom

Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services

Having everything you need in one location makes finding a job easy!  In order to ensure a seamless hiring process, SM Job Fairs include government agency booths to help applicants with necessary prerequisites like the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund.

Driving growth, building the nation

SM Job Fairs are more than just recruiting occasions; they also support community development and economic recovery.  The dedication of SM Supermalls to employment is helping more Filipinos secure better futures.  Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out! 


SM Retail and SM North EDSA unite to empower job seekers at a bustling job fair.


About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading mall developer, dedicated to sustainable and community-driven initiatives. Through its job fairs, SM Supermalls continues to empower job seekers, support businesses, and contribute to economic growth.

Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

"Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts." ~Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women
SM Supermalls holds the 3rd Nationwide Orientation on the Safe Spaces Act with in the photo: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer in Charge Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President (VP) of the Corporate Compliance Group (CCG) Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, PCW former Executive Director Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, SM Supermalls VP for CCG Liza Silerio, together with SM Supermalls security and janitorial personnel.


Women on Fire, a celebration of the extraordinary leadership, bravery, strength, and tenacity of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety, was introduced by SM Cares in honor of National Women's Month and Fire Prevention Month. Across all programs, Women on Fire reached approximately 25,000 participants and provided a platform for empowerment, education, and awareness through partnerships with important public and private entities.

With the Purple Illumination Ceremony on February 28, SM Cares, in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Philippines, celebrated Women's Month by illuminating the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall faƧades across the country.  Purple, a widely accepted symbol of justice, dignity, and women's rights, signaled the beginning of National Women's Month in the Philippines and reaffirmed SM's dedication to gender equality and female empowerment.


SM Megamall’s Time Sculpture turns purple in support of women empowerment.

Shoppers at SM North Edsa walk through the display at the LED Tunnel, a striking tribute to gender equality and women’s resilience.


Strengthening Preparedness and Safety

On March 4, 2025, SM Cares and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) held the 4th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill across SM malls nationwide, with SM Mall of Asia as the main venue. Hundreds of registered participants participated in the Fire Square Roadshow, where they watched fire safety demonstrations and interactive training sessions to strengthen preparedness. Women on Fire was a major highlight of the campaign, honoring female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders for their contributions to safety, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness.


A female mall-goer tries the fire fighter’s protective uniform at the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Students from the Philippine College of Criminology participate in the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).


Women in Resilience: Empowering Women as Leaders in Disaster Preparedness and Community Building

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares organized the 2025 National Women's Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia on March 5, 2025.  With the theme "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," the event sought to encourage women in a variety of fields, especially those from underrepresented groups.  A trade show featuring goods from women-led MSMEs, talks on gender equality and women's rights and leadership, and free services like livelihood assistance, legal advice, and health examinations were among its events. 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares co-hosted the Women LEAD Forum, which highlighted the vital role that women play in disaster resilience at the barangay and grassroots levels.  The conversation focused on how women-led projects improve community readiness and act as role models for national programs aimed at disaster and climate resilience.


SM Cares Champions Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Safe Spaces Act Orientation

Over 12,000 people attended SM Cares' 3rd Nationwide Safe Spaces Act Orientation, which was hosted in 86 SM malls across the country on March 4 and 6, to reaffirm the company's dedication to establishing safe spaces.  Students, staff, renters, and security guards were all taught the value of preserving harassment-free environments in shopping centers and businesses through this program.

For more updates on SM Cares' initiatives, visit the official website or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.