SM Malls Invite Shoppers to Be Besties of Joy This Christmas

SM Malls in Grand Central, Sangandaan, and Valenzuela invite everyone to play Santa and share the warmth of the season through the SM Besties of Joy 2025 campaign, a heartwarming twist to SM Cares’ beloved holiday tradition.

Evolving from the iconic Bears of Joy, this year’s Besties of Joy introduces four charming bunnies who remind everyone that the best gifts aren’t always wrapped but are shared through kindness, connection, and friendship. For every plush toy purchased at ₱330, SM Cares donates another to a child from one of its 72 partner communities nationwide, doubling the joy and creating shared moments of happiness, one for you and one for a child in need.

Meet your new holiday Besties: Hannie, the soft white bunny of gratitude; Rumi, the lilac dreamer who sparks creativity and imagination; Tala, the sunny yellow ray of laughter and light; and Nana, the red-hearted bunny who embodies kindness and compassion. Together, they represent the values that make Christmas truly meaningful: gratitude, creativity, joy, and love.

Available until December 25, 2025, the Besties of Joy collection lets every shopper take part in a small but meaningful act of love. Visit the designated booths at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela to grab your own Bestie and share the gift of friendship this Christmas because every Bestie given is a best friend made.

Manila Water Strengthens Water Security and Climate Resilience with Full Stewardship of Upper Wawa Dam

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water has reinforced its commitment to delivering 24/7 water supply across its service area through the official takeover of operations of the Upper Wawa Dam, following the successful acquisition of WawaJVCo.

The turnover, completed in October, marked the formal transition of operations from Prime Infra to Manila Water, with WawaJVCo employees officially welcomed into the Manila Water family. This strategic move consolidates the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project under Manila Water’s management, ensuring greater operational efficiency and long-term water security for its customers.

The acquisition complements Manila Water’s ongoing efforts to diversify and secure alternative water sources, alongside existing facilities such as the Wawa-Calawis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Antipolo City, Cardona WTP in Rizal, and the East Bay WTP, which both draws water from Laguna Lake.

As the largest water source development since 1967, the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project will deliver up to 710 million liters per day (MLD), benefiting more than 700,000 households or approximately 3.5 million Filipinos within the MWSS concession area. 

“The Upper Wawa Dam is the largest dam built in the Philippines in over 50 years. For decades, Angat Dam has been our primary water source. With the completion of the project, the facility now provides an additional layer of reliability for Metro Manila’s water supply, not just for our East Zone service area, but as an extra source that can support the broader Metro Manila region,” said Joe Costales, newly appointed General Manager of WawaJVCo.

Beyond water security, the Upper Wawa Dam reflects Manila Water’s commitment to climate resilience, protecting not only its facilities but more importantly the communities it serves. Designed primarily as a water supply source, the dam has proven to be a vital flood mitigation measure, repeatedly cited by government agencies as instrumental in reducing flooding in vulnerable areas of Rizal and Marikina by capturing and storing excess rainwater.

In 2024, the Upper Wawa Dam played a critical role in mitigating flooding during Super Typhoon Carina by significantly reducing downstream flood impact in Rizal and Metro Manila by controlling water discharge and lowering flow from 2,100 m³/s to 200 m³/s. The reservoir, which spans 450 hectares and stores up to 120 million cubic meters, nearly filled in two days due to heavy rains, accumulating over 90 million cubic meters of water. Government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Rizal Governor Nina Ynares, credited the dam for preventing severe damage. 

In a press briefing in August this year, Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo credited the Upper Wawa Dam for helping reduce flooding in Marikina City during Typhoon Crising. According to Quimbo, more than 51% of floodwater was captured by the dam’s reservoir instead of flowing into Marikina, significantly minimizing the impact of the tropical cyclone.

Manila Water and WawaJVCo is currently gearing up for the official start of its commercial operations slated in December 2025.

The Manila Hotel Welcomes the Holidays with its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Manila Hotel ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its Grand Lobby into a radiant showcase of Filipino holiday traditions. This year’s theme, Pasko sa Nayon, captured the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Filipino Christmas, drawing guests and members of the media to a heartwarming afternoon of festivity and holiday splendor.

The hotel’s magnificent Christmas Tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Designed by The Manila Hotel’s Social Director and Design Consultant, Rachy Cuna, the décor pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship through intricate accents such as woven baskets, horse figures, and large puso ornaments inspired by the traditional hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves. Dressed in rich hues of red, gold, and green, the display radiates both grandeur and cultural pride, hallmarks of The Manila Hotel’s enduring elegance.

The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors led by Chairman Basilio C. Yap, President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., Director Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan. Joining them were City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Ivan Agote, Director of Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of Intramuros Administration, and DTCAM Officer-in-Charge Cristal Bagatsing. 

The joyous afternoon resonated with the familiar melodies of Christmas as the Office of the President Chorale filled the Grand Lobby with timeless carols, evoking a sense of nostalgia and shared joy that define the Filipino holiday spirit.

A Celebration of Compassion and Community

Beyond the glittering tree, the celebration reflected The Manila Hotel’s dedication to preserving Filipino culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.

“May our tree lighting ceremony remind us of what makes Christmas in the Philippines truly special—the comfort of Filipino food, the strength of community, and the joy of gathering with loves ones. It is a time to celebrate not only our traditions but also the meaningful connections that bring light to our lives,” shared Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

In the spirit of giving, The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, continuing its commitment to share hope and kindness with children in need.

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of home and heritage this holiday season at The Manila Hotel, and to delight in its festive displays and offerings inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions.