QUEZON CITY, Philippines, October 28 — Good Neighbors Philippines will hold The Good Run Year 3 on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the UP Diliman National Science Complex, as runners help bring safe, sustainable solar lights to children in Laak, Davao de Oro. Co-presented by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) and SolarBuddy LIVE, this year's run carries the theme “Light Up Their World.”

A light at home can mean more time for a child to read, study, and learn after sunset. But for children in communities with limited access to reliable electricity, switching on a light is not always an option. In five farming barangays in the landlocked town of Laak (Aguinaldo, Kilagding, San Antonio, Kidawa, and Longanapan), that is everyday life. 

Through the partnership with SolarBuddy LIVE, Good Neighbors Philippines will bring solar lights to children and families in these communities. Reliable lighting gives children more hours to study after dark and helps families with everyday tasks at home.

For CBTL, joining The Good Run Year 3 is a chance to support a cause that brings people together beyond their usual routines. The partnership reinforces the event's message that meaningful change can begin when individuals and organizations use their platforms to support communities in need.

Now in its third year, The Good Run returns to UP Diliman, where it began. Good Neighbors Philippines hopes the event encourages more people to see running not only as a way to pursue fitness goals but also as a way to take part in something bigger than a personal record. UP Run Club joins as the Official Run Club Partner.

Participants can choose from three distances (2K, 5K, and 10K), making the run open to seasoned runners, beginners, families, and anyone who wants to support the cause. Registration is open at https://myruntime.com/register/the-good-run-2026. 

For registration updates and event announcements, follow Good Neighbors Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @goodneighborsph.

About Good Neighbors Philippines

Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development NGO founded in South Korea in 1991. It has held General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996. The organization has worked in the Philippines since 2008 and is now active in 11 areas nationwide. DSWD Solicitation Permit No. DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2026-000114, valid nationwide from May 12, 2026 to May 12, 2027.

About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) is a specialty coffee and tea house founded in Southern California in 1963. The brand sources its coffees and teas from growing communities around the world and handcrafts each beverage, and it is known as the creator of The Original Ice Blended drink. CBTL operates more than 1,100 locations in over 20 countries and is part of the Jollibee Group of Companies.

About SolarBuddy LIVE

SolarBuddy LIVE is a social enterprise that runs purpose-led team experiences for organizations, in person and virtually. During each session, participants learn about energy poverty and its effects on education, health, and livelihoods, then assemble solar lights that go to children and families without electricity. SolarBuddy LIVE supports the work of its sister charity, SolarBuddy.org, an Australian charity working to end energy poverty. It delivers programs in 23 countries, including the Philippines, and supports the United Nations Global Compact.

SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag welcome the holiday season in Bulacan with the grand unveiling of their much-awaited Christmas centerpieces, setting the stage for festive displays, family gatherings, and shared celebrations that bring communities together.

Bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, the holiday displays celebrate the season’s signature sparkles—symbolizing smiles, happiness, and magical surprises, creating a heartwarming maxed out experiences for mallgoers of all ages.

At SM City Marilao, the magic unfolds through “Super Sparkly March of the Merry,” a joyful spectacle filled with dazzling lights, vibrant colors, and festive cheer. Taking center stage is a magnificent 38-foot Christmas tree adorned with colorful ornaments and a giant dichroic ribbon that shimmers with color-changing lights from every angle. Adding to the merry spectacle are the towering 12-foot nutcracker soldiers, standing proudly within the attraction, evoking the charm of a grand Christmas celebration.

Adding a playful touch to the festivities, SM Center Pulilan unveils its “Furry Friends Holiday” centerpiece, featuring a 25-foot Christmas tree surrounded by charming gift boxes and mini trees. Adorned with classic red and green Christmas ornaments and illuminated by sparkling lights, the display captures the warmth and cheer of the season. Fluffy and furry friends add a delightful twist to the attraction, creating a welcoming space where families and mallgoers can enjoy the magic of Christmas and make lasting holiday memories. 

Meanwhile, SM City Baliwag brings holiday dreams to life with its vibrant Christmas centerpiece “Sparkle Every Holiday Moment.” At the heart of the display stands a stunning 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with colorful ornaments and dazzling lights. Blending the wonder of childhood with the magic of Christmas, the centerpiece features whimsical giant hot air balloons, fluffy clouds, and candy-colored accents that create a cheerful, dreamlike setting. It’s a space where wonder, fun, and holiday sparkle come together, inviting families and kids at heart to celebrate every magical moment of the season.

In line with the launch of their holiday centerpieces, SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag introduce SM Besties of Joy 2026, a heartwarming initiative in partnership with Toy Kingdom running until December 25, 2026. For every pair purchased for ₱380, one will be donated to a community charity, spreading warmth, comfort, and joy to those in need this holiday season.

The coming days will be merrier as your most-loved SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag celebrate Christmas in full swing with festivities, Christmas markets, and entertainment the malls have in store all throughout the holiday season for an ultimate Gala to the Max experience. 

For updates on Christmas activities and upcoming holiday events, visit the official Facebook pages of SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag.

Whether you're watching with the whole barkada or braving a horror movie alone, there's a snack for every kind of movie night.

There's something about Halloween that makes us willingly chase the thrill of a good scare. We know that suspicious noise coming from the basement is probably bad news, and we know that splitting up is never a good idea. Yet somehow, we keep watching, eager to find out what happens next.

Of course, how you choose to scare yourself is entirely up to you. Some prefer watching horror movies with friends (because misery loves company), while others would rather enjoy a good scare alone. And then there are those who couldn't care less about what's playing, as long as there are snacks.

Whichever kind of horror movie watcher you are, here's what to munch on this Halloween.

For the Barkada That Screams Together: Chippy Barbecue and C2 Litro Lemon

You know it's going to be a good movie night when half the group is screaming at the screen and the other half is laughing at them. 

Keep Chippy Barbecue within reach for everyone to munch on between jump scares and hilarious reactions. Throw in a C2 Litro Lemon for the group, and you've got the refreshments covered.

For the Horror Buff Who's Seen It All: Chicharron ni Mang Juan Espesyal Suka't Sili

We all know someone who takes their horror movies seriously. They've seen all the classics, know their way around foreign horror films, and have strong opinions about which sequels should never have been made. For them, one movie is never enough. It's always a full-blown horror marathon.

And what better way to keep the marathon going than with a snack that keeps you craving another bite? Keep Chicharron ni Mang Juan Espesyal Suka't Sili within reach for an asim-anghang treat that's *nakakagana*, perfect for munching on as you work your way through your horror movie watchlist.

For Those Who Dare to Watch Alone: Piattos Roadhouse Barbecue

There's watching a horror movie, and then there's watching a horror movie alone. With the lights off. At night.

If you're the type who enjoys a good scare without anyone interrupting, Piattos Roadhouse Barbecue makes the perfect companion for some well-deserved me-time. Think about it: no one talking over important scenes, no one asking you to explain the plot, and no one suggesting you switch to a comedy halfway through.

Just you, your go-to horror movie, and a bag of your favorite hexagonal potato crisps you don't have to share with anyone. Now that's what we call uninterrupted me-time.

For the One Who's Just There for the Snacks: Magic Chips Cheese

Let's be real: Not everyone who shows up for a horror movie night is actually interested in watching horror movies.

Maybe you were invited by a friend. Or maybe you heard there would be food and decided that was reason enough to leave the house.

If you're more invested in the snack selection than the movie itself, Magic Chips Cheese should be right up your alley. They're flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying enough to keep you occupied while everyone else is busy figuring out who's going to survive.

Whether you're screaming with the barkada, enjoying a solo scare, or simply showing up for the food, the right snacks and drinks can make any horror movie night more enjoyable. So, pick your favorite scary flicks, stock up on your go-to munchies from Universal Robina Corporation (URC). Get ready for a Halloween marathon filled with good scares and even better snacking.

Something mysterious is stirring beneath the waters of Discovery Samal. This October 31, families, couples, and adventure seekers are invited to step into a world of ghostly pirates, hidden treasures, and seaside enchantments as it unveils a series of Halloween experiences designed for all ages.

Inspired by the tale of a legendary pirate treasure guarded by a powerful Sea Witch, this year’s celebration, themed “Curse of the Haunted Seas: Inside the Sea Witch’s Lair,” brings a playful twist to the usual Halloween festivities. From treasure-hunting adventures for little explorers to an evening of music and revelry under the stars, guests can look forward to a Halloween that is part mystery, part island escape, and full of memorable moments.

A Pirate’s Adventure for Little Explorers

The mystery begins at 2 p.m. on October 31, when young adventurers are called upon to uncover the secrets of the haunted seas.

The resort’s Haunted Halloween Party takes children on a whimsical journey through a world of ghostly pirates, sea witches, and mysterious creatures of the deep. Between the excitement of the adventure, little guests can enjoy a magic show, bubble show, photo booth, and a snack buffet, with loot bags to take home as souvenirs of their Halloween escapade.

Priced at Php 2,488 net, the experience includes admission for one child below seven years old and one guardian, along with round-trip boat transfers from the Davao Welcome Center. Additional rates apply for other children and accompanying adults.

A Halloween Feast the Whole Family Can Enjoy

For families who believe that the best celebrations happen around the dining table, Discovery Samal offers a delightful way to spend Halloween together.

At Morning Catch, the resort’s Family Bundle Lunch brings festive dining and childhood Halloween excitement into one experience. Available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 31, the package is priced at Php 6,888 net for two adults and one child, inclusive of the child’s special trick-or-treat access and round-trip boat transfers.

Little ones can dress up as their favorite characters, explore the venue, and collect treats, giving parents a chance to enjoy a leisurely meal and quality family time. It is a celebration where a good lunch meets the simple joy of seeing children caught up in the magic of Halloween.

When the Sun Sets, the Sea Witch Comes Out to Play

As daylight fades, Halloween takes on a different atmosphere at Haribar Lounge, where the resort’s Halloween Glamping Soirée unfolds from 6 p.m. until midnight.

Set against the island’s coastal scenery, the evening invites guests to embrace the mysterious side of Halloween through an outdoor-inspired celebration filled with music, costumes, and festive indulgence.

For Php 3,588 net, guests can enjoy a barbecue feast, live entertainment, a guest DJ, face painting, a photo booth, and a 360-degree video booth. Round-trip boat transfers from the Davao Welcome Center are included.

With lanterns, an open-air atmosphere, and the Sea Witch’s enchanting world setting the mood, the soirée promises a spirited evening for friends and couples looking to celebrate Halloween somewhere beyond the ordinary. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their most imaginative costumes because after all, a little mystery is part of the fun.

Stay a Little Longer, Let the Island Work Its Magic

For those who would rather turn Halloween into a full island getaway, Discovery Samal offers two limited-time room packages that pair the excitement of the season with the pleasures of a luxury resort escape.

Whispers of the Sea, starting at Php 18,500 net per room per night, includes daily breakfast for two, round-trip boat transfers, and a one-time Php 6,000 food and beverage credit at Haribar Lounge, offering guests another reason to linger over a meal or drinks by the sea.

For travelers who prefer a little more adventure in their itinerary, Haunted Hideaway starts at Php 15,000 net per room per night. Along with daily breakfast and resort amenities, the package includes a 15% discount on watersports and Mindanao Pavilion activities.

Both offers come with welcome drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the resort’s swimming pools and beach areas. Stays are valid from October 30 to November 2, 2026, with bookings open until October 31 and a minimum two-night stay required.

Whether it is a child’s excitement over a bag of treats, a family gathering over a festive meal, or an evening spent celebrating beneath the stars, Discovery Samal offers guests the chance to enjoy Halloween at their own pace.

For inquiries and reservations, visit www.discoverysamal.com, email reservations@discoverysamal.com,  or call +63 84 308 2998.

Packable rain jacket, helmet liner, and refresh kit now available exclusively on GrabMart

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Clear skies at 7:00 in the morning, wet and windy by 5:00 PM in the afternoon. The rainy season does not negotiate with anyone’s calendar, and for the professionals who have moved to motorcycle-taxis to protect their schedule, the distance between leaving and arriving has become a gamble on how they turn up.

MOVE IT launched Ride-Ready, a line of commuter essentials built for that gap. Now available exclusively on GrabMart, the range includes a packable rain jacket, a scarf or cap that doubles as a helmet liner, and a refresh kit with travel-size alcohol spray, cooling wipes, and tissue.

The launch comes at a time when motorcycle-taxis have become indispensable to the daily grind. While MOVE IT recorded a 20% growth in monthly users during the first half of the year compared to last year, commuter feedback highlighted lingering hesitations to booking a ride like sudden downpours and scorching heat, along with concerns about shared helmet conditions. 

“Filipino commuters have become extraordinarily good at adapting to city life. What they should not have to accept is arriving at a meeting soaked, or starting the afternoon already behind,” says MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. “Ride-Ready is a practical answer to that. We want our passengers to step off the ride the same way they left the house.”

MOVE IT also brought Ride-Ready into the busy commercial districts where many of its passengers work. Interactive booths ran at select office buildings in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas, and Cebu City from June to July, where commuters claimed Ride-Ready items on site and booked their next trip from the booth. 

As the rainy season and worsening traffic remain major concerns for commuters, MOVE IT’s Ride-Ready essentials make every journey easier and more comfortable. By equipping passengers with the right tools, MOVE IT empowers them to keep moving no matter the condition—ensuring they step off their ride fresh, confident, and ready to face the day ahead. 

The Ride-Ready range is available on GrabMart starting July 13. Prices start at P275, with special bundles that mix and match essentials for more savings. Details are on MOVE IT’s official social media channels.