The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) convened business leaders yesterday at The Wave Towers, IT Park, to highlight its upcoming Tokyo Trade Mission, scheduled for February 25–27, 2026. The mission will focus on disaster resilience, healthcare innovation, and sustainable urban development.

The initiative aligns with Cebu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen urban resilience, climate adaptation, and healthcare systems. Recent flooding events in the region have highlighted the need for robust flood control infrastructure, proactive disaster preparedness, and resilient urban planning, emphasizing the importance of long-term, integrated solutions.

Healthcare remains a priority, particularly in supporting disaster response and community resilience. Access to quality medical services, emergency response systems, and durable healthcare infrastructure is essential for protecting lives and enabling frontline workers to perform effectively during emergencies.

Japan was selected as a strategic learning partner due to its extensive experience in managing natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. Through sustained investments in flood control infrastructure, smart city development, and advanced healthcare systems, Japan has developed models that offer practical lessons for Cebu’s development objectives.

The Tokyo Trade Mission will enable participants to:

Participate in Care Show Japan 2026, Asia’s leading healthcare exhibition, to explore healthcare innovation, elderly care solutions, digital health technologies, and workforce development;

Engage with NTT Urban Development to gain insights into transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, digital infrastructure, and resilient urban planning; and

Visit major flood control facilities, including the Shibuya Station Underground Tank and the Kanda / Loop 7 Underground Regulating Reservoir, to study large-scale urban flood management and disaster risk reduction systems.

During the preparatory Coffee Break session, CCCI gathered input from over 20 participants representing various sectors of the Cebu business community. Feedback will be incorporated into the final mission program to ensure alignment with local priorities and maximize actionable outcomes.

CCCI expressed gratitude to Cebu Landmasters for supporting and hosting the session, highlighting that collaboration with international partners is key to advancing Cebu’s long-term economic and urban development goals.

The chamber encourages stakeholders and partners to engage with the initiative and support efforts to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the province.

Padayon Cebu! 

 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 Sinulog season, SM Seaside City Cebu invites everyone to celebrate bigger, brighter, and bolder with AweSM Cebu 2026, a month-long lineup of festivities designed to let mallgoers max out their Sinulog experiences. Starting January 8, the city’s iconic seaside destination transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition, creativity, and today’s kind of celebration come together.

More than just a mall, SM Seaside becomes a full Sinulog experience—one where families, barkadas, travelers, runners, fur parents, fandoms, and different communities can curate their own festival moments. From cultural showcases and immersive photo spots to high-energy performances, lively parties, and scenic hangouts, SM Seaside is the ultimate must-visit Sinulog destination.

Kicking off the festivities is the AweSM Cebu LokalPop Collective from January 8-28 at the Mountain Wing Atrium, spotlighting local creativity and Cebuano pride through pop culture, design, and homegrown finds. Adding to the festive energy is the Sto. Niño Exhibit from January 8-28 at the Cube Wing Atrium, offering a meaningful space that honors the faith and tradition at the heart of Sinulog.

A highlight guests should not miss is the daily Senyo Mascot Meet & Greet from January 8-28 at the Mountain Wing Atrium. As SM Seaside’s new Sinulog mascot, Senyo brings joy, color, and playful energy to the celebration, making him a favorite photo companion for kids, families, and festival-goers of all ages.

Food lovers can indulge in Cebu’s iconic flavors at the AweSM Lechon Fest from January 12-18 at the Seaview Wing Atrium, while shoppers can score exciting finds during the AweSM Cebu Sale happening mall-wide from January 12-18. Beauty, grace, and Cebuana pride take center stage at the Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition on January 14 at the Mountain Wing Atrium.

Celebrating local culture continues with Nakakalokal Goes to SM Seaside from January 16-18 at the Mountain Wing Atrium, bringing the best of Filipino ingenuity and local entrepreneurship right into the heart of Sinulog. A campaign and advocacy program by the PhilSTAR Media Group, Nakakalokal is a three-day bazaar featuring a vibrant mix of local makers, food artisans, and lifestyle brands, showcasing proudly Filipino products—from Cebuano snacks and handmade crafts to sustainable fashion and unique homegrown finds.

Keeping the energy flowing, the mall comes alive with movement and music during Rhythm in Motion from January 16-18, where dance, beats, and crowd energy blend seamlessly throughout the mall, getting everyone moving and maxing out the festive vibe.

For those seeking scenic nights and hangouts, the AweSM Skypark Party at The Skypark delivers unforgettable experiences—from a Dragshow Night on January 16 to a Community Run in the morning and Skypark Beats in the afternoon on January 17. The excitement peaks with the AweSM Skypark Grand Pyro Display on January 18, lighting up the Cebu skyline in a dazzling Sinulog spectacle.

SM Seaside paces the way for the Cebu Marathon 2026, with the Expo at the Mountain Wing Atrium running from January 9-11 and Race Day on January 11 at SM Seaside’s concert grounds The festivities continue with star-studded excitement during the Sinulog Kapamilya Caravan on January 17, where fans can enjoy the chance to celebrate with beloved Kapamilya personalities at SM Seaside’s concert grounds. Adding to the festive lineup is the much-anticipated AweSM Petstival on January 24 at the Mountain Wing Atrium—ensuring even fur parents and their pets can max out their own Sinulog moments.

With its diverse lineup of events, immersive spaces, and nonstop energy, AweSM Cebu 2026 captures the spirit where tradition meets the celebration you want to live today, offering a Sinulog experience at its absolute maximum. This year, make SM Seaside City Cebu your festival home—your hangout, your playground, your Sinulog.

About the AweSM Cebu Campaign

Launched in 2019, the AweSM Cebu campaign is SM’s signature celebration of Cebuano culture, creativity, and community, transforming malls into vibrant hubs of entertainment, local artistry, and family-friendly experiences every Sinulog season. Each year, the campaign combines shopping, culture, music, gastronomy, and innovative showcases, positioning SM Supermalls as the ultimate destination for both Cebuanos and visitors seeking immersive Sinulog festivities. Over the years, AweSM Cebu has become a city-wide tradition that brings the many colors, rhythms, and flavors of the festival together—allowing everyone to experience the spirit of Sinulog under one roof.

Best regards,

 The Philippines’ Next-Gen Heroes: Samsung reveals the grand winners of Solve

for Tomorrow 2025

Samsung announces the three grand winners for its 3rd Solve for Tomorrow competition in the Philippines

The Grand Winners of Solve for Tomorrow

2025, with the Third Prize awarded to Team

“BANTALAY” from Tuguegarao City Science

High School, the Second Prize awarded to

Team “EGGNovation” from Cavite Science

Integrated School, and the First Prize

awarded to Team “MaHeMo” from Cavite

Science Integrated School.

The Second Prize winners from Cavite

Science Integrated School, consisting of

members Adam Uriel Berganos, Jared Y.

Cabillan, Niel Jullian M. Caringal, Cedrick A.

Del Mundo, and their adviser, Mharlotte O.

Ilagan, with their project entitled

;EGGNovation: Egg Quality Control

Segregator.”

Together with the winning team are (from left

to right) Mr. Jun Guevara, Head of Corporate

Marketing at Samsung Electronics

Philippines; Ms. Dove Cometa, Project

Development Officer III, and Ms. Zeny

Lastimosa, Project Development Officer at the Department of Education; Mr. Roman

Han, President of Samsung Electronics

Philippines; and Taekyun Kim, Chief Financial

Officer at Samsung Electronics Philippines.

This year’s First Prize winners from Cavite
Science Integrated School, which consists of
members Elisha Lhane Althea Ramos, Harly
P. Bautista, Jhacis Miguel Causapin, Eileen
Cassandra S. Datu, and their teacher adviser,
Jeremae V. Varias, with their winning entry,
"Mangrove Health Monitor (MaHeMo): A
Solar-Powered, Water-Quality Sensing Buoy
for Monitoring Mangrove Ecosystem Health."
Joining the First Prize winners are (from left
to right) Mr. Jun Guevara, Head of Corporate
Marketing at Samsung Electronics
Philippines; Ms. Dove Cometa, Project
Development Officer III, and Ms. Zeny
Lastimosa, Project Development Officer at
the Department of Education; Mr. Roman
Han, President of Samsung Electronics
Philippines; and Taekyun Kim, Chief Financial
Officer at Samsung Electronics Philippines.

The remaining teams in the top 10 will receive Php 15,000 in cash for their team and Php 5,000 for their teacher.
The teams are “FloodSafe Routes AI: An AI Smart Route and Hazard Mapping System for Schools” from Philippine
Science High School - Caraga Region Campus, “SINAG: Eco-Sustainable Carbon Dots from Biomass for Bio-Based
Solar Light Harvesting” from Bansud NHS - Regional Science High School, “The S.W.E.A.T Project” from Philippine
Science High School Main Campus, “S.A.G.I.P.: Solar-powered Autonomous Geolocation and Information Protocol
for Disaster Mitigation” from Cavite Science Integrated School, “ShellTer: Earthquake-Resistant Precast Using
Walnut and Pistachio Shell Waste for Sustainable Construction” from Philippine Science High School - Central
Luzon Campus, “Plasfix: SARIMAX Forecasting of Rabbitfish (Siganus) Catch Volume in Pangasinan by Evaluating
Plastic-Induced Seagrass Decline” from Pasay City Science High School, and “VITALBAND: A Galaxy AI-Integrated
Health and Disaster Monitoring Wristband for Filipinos” from Marikina Science High School.

Together for Tomorrow: Enabling People

Solve for Tomorrow started as a simple essay competition in 2010, but over the years it has evolved into a dynamic

platform where students collaborate to develop meaningful, future-shaping projects. Aligned with Samsung’s

mission to make technology accessible while empowering the next generation of “next-gen heroes,” the program

has spent the last 15 years equipping students with real-world experience and design thinking skills—helping them

create practical, technology-driven solutions to real challenges.

This year’s competition focuses on empowering communities through technology, featuring themes on

Environmental Sustainability through Technology, Social Change through Tech and Sport, and Solving Community

Problems with Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the support of the Department of Education, Solve for Tomorrow

2025 received over 300 entries from Grades 8–10 students in public science high schools—narrowed down to 10

finalists and, ultimately, 3 grand winners.

Roman Han, President of Samsung Philippines, shared an inspiring message about the success of this year’s Solve

for Tomorrow: “Here at Samsung, we believe our success is inseparable from the progress of the communities we

serve. Solve for Tomorrow embodies this belief by empowering the next generation of heroes in our own local

communities nationwide—equipping our young innovators with the education, tools, and opportunities they need

to create their proposals for a better future.

He added, “Guided by our vision, ‘Together for Tomorrow: Enabling People’, we have remained dedicated for 15

years in enabling future leaders as they transform their ideas into meaningful, lasting impact, and we will continue

this dedication for many years to come.”

Ms. Dove Cometa, Project Development

Officer III at the Department of Education

(DepEd), giving her welcoming remarks to the

Top 10 Finalists, emphasizing DepEd’s

continuous support for Samsung’s Solve for

Tomorrow initiative.

Mr. Jun Guevara, Head of Corporate

Marketing at Samsung Electronics

Philippines, closes the program with

congratulatory remarks to all the Grand

Champions, as well as the other Top 10

Finalists joining in at the Solve for Tomorrow

2025 Awarding Ceremony.

For more information on Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program in the Philippines, you can visit

https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/. Learn more about Samsung’s innovative projects by visiting

https://www.samsung.com/ph/.

 Road to Champion: Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Concludes with
Thrilling Final Round

HPI’s young racers proved that passion and perseverance pave the road to victory

The Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) wrapped up its much-awaited Final Round with

electrifying performances, high-speed battles, and emotional victories that marked the

culmination of a remarkable 2025 season.

Held at Tarlac Circuit Hill, every twist and turn of the young riders served as a reminder of

how far they’ve come—each lap symbolizing their growth, grit, and determination to chase

their racing dreams. The final round was more than just a competition; it was the realization

of countless hours of training and the fulfillment of dreams on and off the track.

Spectators were treated to intense wheel-to-wheel action, with riders pushing the limits of

speed and control aboard their Honda motorcycles. The Final Round consisted of three

thrilling races that showcased the riders’ relentless spirit and hunger for victory.

 Lapu-Lapu City Celebrates the Arrival of Honor of Kings’ Inaugural Filipino Hero, Lapulapu

Garry Lao expressed his gratitude to HOK for adding Lapulapu to their game, noting that this move has a significant impact on honoring the city's most historic figure.

Lapulapu, a tank support hero, is heavily inspired by the national hero who resisted colonial forces and is a symbol of courage and bravery.

Lapulapu's design embraces traditional Visayan attire, highlighting patterns that symbolize the sun, waves, and scales, reflecting early Filipino beliefs and nature worship.

The hero's release is a major step in the game title's efforts to celebrate local cultures within the game.

The press launch featured performances from the Lapu-Lapu City's Tribal Band, the Lapu-Lapu Performing Arts, the Lapu-Lapu Arnis Team, and model and actor Shaun Pelayo, who played the role of Lapulapu in his performance.

Aside from the press launch, a two-day tournament—the HOK Lapu-Lapu Clash 2025—is currently ongoing with a hefty prize pool of ₱100,000. Fourteen teams are competing for a grand prize of ₱50,000. The first runner-up will take home ₱25,000. Meanwhile, the second and third runner-ups will each receive ₱12,500.

The Grand Champions of the tournament will be crowned today, November 22.