Finland’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Nurminen, recently met with local stakeholders in Cebu to discuss the Nordic country’s plans to deepen its engagement with the Philippines. She highlighted Finland’s interest in promoting stronger bilateral economic ties, noting that the reopening of the Finnish embassy in the Philippines four years ago was a strategic move to be part of the region’s growth. Nurminen also highlighted the growing demand for Filipino skills in the Nordic country as she acknowledged that Finland is facing labor shortages in various sectors, including healthcare, IT, green jobs, and skilled labor professions. She expressed…
Author: CebuLifestyleChannel
BDO Foundation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have officially launched free, online financial education (fin ed) modules aimed at strengthening the financial literacy of millions of technical-vocational learners across the country. Co-developed by BDO Foundation and the BSP, the first three of nine planned modules are now accessible to the public through the TESDA Online Program at e-tesda.gov.ph. These initial modules focus on the fundamentals of personal finance, including financial planning, budgeting and saving, and debt management—key skills that aspiring professionals will need to secure their financial well-being. TESDA Director…
Alumni of Cebu State College Laboratory School (CSC), now known as Cebu Normal University (CNU), Batch ’89 reunited on October 19, 2024, to commemorate 35 years since graduation. The gathering took place at the Fili Ballroom of the Fili Hotel, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, where former classmates celebrated enduring friendships and personal milestones. The event brought together a wave of nostalgia as attendees shared memories, laughter, and updates on their journeys since their school days. The reunion emphasized love, camaraderie, and the bonds that have stood the test of time. Batch ’89’s celebration highlighted not just the years gone by,…
SM Seaside City Cebu celebrated World Choral Day on December 8 by showcasing performances from local choral groups at the Mountain Wing Atrium, highlighting the beauty and power of music and harmony. World Choral Day, an initiative by the International Federation for Choral Music, was established in 1990 and is celebrated annually around the second Sunday in December. Over the past two decades, the event has seen participation from thousands of choirs worldwide, with millions of singers taking part in concerts to honor the day. This year’s celebration in the Philippines coincided with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a…
For those looking to indulge their senses this holiday season, the Ikenobo Ikebana Society Cebu Chapter has unveiled a captivating floral exhibit that brings centuries of Japanese tradition to life. “Ikenobo: The Heart and Soul of Ikebana” opened today at SM J Mall, transforming the mall’s Atrium into a garden of artful blooms. Ikebana — the Japanese art of flower arranging — traces its roots to the Ikenobo school, which began when priests near Kyoto created floral offerings at temples, nestled by ponds (or “ike”) and humble huts (or “bo”). The name “Ikenobo” thus emerged, symbolizing a legacy where arranging…
SM J Mall officially opened its highly anticipated J District on Friday, November 29, a vibrant immersive attraction that brings the essence of Japan closer to local visitors. Located on the 2nd Level near the Izakaya Terrace, J District offers a unique opportunity to explore iconic elements of Japanese culture and landmarks. Guests can take a simulated train ride through famous destinations, including the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the striking red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, symbolizing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Adding to the experience is the Anime Room, a dedicated space for fans of Japanese pop culture.…
SM J Mall is set to bring a touch of Japan to Cebu with the launch of “J District,” an immersive space that opens to the public on November 29. Located on the second level near Izakaya Terrace, the new attraction aims to offer visitors an authentic Japanese cultural experience. “J District” invites guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant sights and sounds of Japan. The journey begins with a themed train ride that transports visitors through replicas of iconic Japanese landmarks. Highlights include a walk through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil atmosphere,…
SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu along with their employees and affiliates activated its regular cleanups on November 23 in support to safeguard coastlines and river channels. Today, it took place at Kinalumsan River, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. A total of 117 sacks or 531.2 kgs of trash were collected during the clean-up drive participated by a total of 230 volunteers from employees of SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu malls, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7, Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu, Mines and…
SM Seaside City Cebu participated in “Pedal Forward,” a nationwide cycling event organized by SM Cares, promoting cycling as an eco-friendly and health-enhancing mode of transportation in celebration of National Bicycle Day. The event was held simultaneously across numerous SM malls in the country, highlighting SM Cares’ commitment to fostering sustainable, bike-friendly communities and advocating for a cleaner, greener future. National Bicycle Day, observed every fourth Sunday of November under National Proclamation No. 1052, emphasizes the positive impacts of cycling on the environment, public health, and traffic reduction. In line with this, “Pedal Forward” aimed to bring together cyclists of…
The Henry Sy Foundation, inc. (HSFI) has extended its support to the University of San Carlos (USC) as part of the university’s Diamond Jubilee initiatives. This partnership was highlighted during a collaboration for social good event held at the SM Prime Headquarters in Pasay City on October 22, 2024. HSFI, driven by its core mission to empower Filipino youth and foster a culture of achievement and excellence, provides strategic support to educational institutions in order to advance Philippine social development. Through these partnerships, the foundation continues to create opportunities for young Filipinos by strengthening and enhancing educational institutions across the…