Gracee's Lifestyle Journal

In many Filipino households, responsibility is rarely equally shared. The role of a breadwinner can fall on one person -- the  ate  who works hard to send younger siblings to school, the entrepreneur striving to keep the small business afloat, or the parent making daily sacrifices to secure a better future for their children. These are the people who keep everything going, quietly, consistently, and often without a safety net of their own. So, while they spend their days looking after everyone, a critical gap remains: the people who carry the most responsibility are often the least protected. This imbalance is at the heart of the newest campaign from AXA Philippines, seeking to reframe insurance not as a response to fear, but as a necessary support system for those others depend on every day. By spotlighting everyday protectors, AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance, positions protection as what enables them to remain present, capable, and reliable, even when life becomes uncer...

P.A. Properties and P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin proudly formalized a new partnership with Philippine Veterans Bank through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, officially designating the institution as one of its partner banks. The contract signing was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the P.A. Properties Main Office in San Pedro, Laguna. Present during the ceremony were Casey S. De Castro, Division Head and Assistant Vice President of the Housing Loans Division under the Consumer Lending Group of Philippine Veterans Bank; Lelito Flores, Chief Finance Officer of P.A. Properties; and Evelyn Buco, Vice President of Collections & Loans of P.A. Properties. This partnership marks a significant step toward making housing loans more accessible for prospective homeowners. By expanding financing options through Philippine Veterans Bank, P.A. Properties continues its commitment to making homeownership more attainable for Filipino families while strengthening communities through s...

Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Jollibee Group and Chairman Emeritus of the Jollibee Group Foundation, delivers his keynote message during the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary celebration, reflecting on two decades of partnerships and community impact.  MANILA, Philippines. March 31, 2026 – For two decades, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has worked alongside farmers, schools, local governments, and partners across the Philippines to strengthen food security, create livelihoods, and open opportunities for communities to thrive.  It is through these partnerships that JGF has helped transform hundreds of lives, launching programs that aim to address hunger, improve livelihoods, and create opportunities for Filipino communities.  Its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has supported 30 farmer groups that have supplied the Jollibee Group since 2008, helping farmers become part of the company’s supply chain. As of 2025, partner farmers suppli...

This Easter, SM Supermalls transforms into a vibrant playground filled with egg hunts, parades, and colorful photo spots until April 5. Whether you’re bringing the kids or planning a fun day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy to the max. Expect a full lineup of activities, from interactive games and creative workshops to lively performances, delivering a memorable Easter experience for families and friends alike. After all the Easter fun (or even before you start), take a break and refuel with a satisfying group dining experience at these must-visit spots: Simmer into richness at Ninepot (SM North EDSA, SM City Clark) Gather around the table and enjoy authentic Taiwanese hotpot at Ninepot. Perfect for group dining, Ninepot brings people together over warm, flavorful broths and customizable sets perfect for sharing. Indulge in a timeless bowl at Mak’s Noodle (SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia) Share a comforting bowl and good conversation at Mak’s Noodle. Craving something comforti...

In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls. This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.  The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.  During...

SM Supermalls is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability through a new partnership with global cleantech company Sparklo. Expanding the reach of the SM Green Movement and the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program, the partnership aims to make recycling more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for participating customers through SM malls nationwide. The collaboration introduces Sparklo’s reverse vending machine technology in the Philippines for the first time, providing an innovative way for customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans while visiting SM malls.  “ This initiative further elevates the role our malls play in ensuring a greener future, all for Filipinos. When we help make recycling accessible and rewarding, taking steps to protect the environment for a more sustainable tomorrow becomes as easy as stepping into your most-loved SM Supermall,”  said  Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President . Technology for the Environment The SM Green Recyc...