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US to provide $45 million to help implement Cambodian-Thai accords

STOCK PHOTO | Images by Aranjuezmedina from Freepik

THE UNITED STATES will provide $45 million in assistance to Cambodia and Thailand, the senior US diplomat for East Asia said on Friday during a visit to the region, to help solidify President Donald Trump’s peace-making efforts between the two.

“The United States will continue to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and pave the way for a return to peace, prosperity, and stability for their people and the region,” Michael DeSombre, the US assistant secretary for East Asia, said in a statement.

A senior State Department official said Mr. DeSombre would meet senior Thai and Cambodian officials in Bangkok and Phnom Penh on Friday and Saturday to discuss implementation of the peace accords “and broader efforts to promote our shared interests in a safer, stronger and more prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Mr. DeSombre said the United States, which has slashed its global foreign assistance programs under Mr. Trump, would provide $15 million for border stabilization to help communities recover and to support people displaced by the recent conflict, and $10 million for demining and clearing of unexploded ordnance.

The US would also provide $20 million for initiatives that will help Cambodia and Thailand combat scam operations and drug trafficking, and other programs, Mr. DeSombre said.

The Trump administration has made combating the so-called scam centers based in Southeast Asia a priority, as US citizens have been targeted by their financial fraud operations.

Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand flared up again last month after the collapse of a previous ceasefire deal brokered in July by Mr. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to end a previous round of conflict.

The Southeast Asian neighbors agreed on another ceasefire at the end of last year, halting 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides. The more recent clashes included fighter-jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages.

Thailand is a long-time US ally, while the United States has sought to improve relations with Cambodia to try to woo it away from strategic rival China.— Reuters

DILG warns of petty criminals, thieves during Traslación 2026

Catholic devotees surround the carriage carrying the statue of Jesus Nazareno as it crosses Ayala Bridge during the annual feast-day procession in Manila on Friday, Jan. 9 2026.—PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

Devotees participating in the ongoing procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila, called the Traslación, were reminded to be wary of pickpockets and thieves taking advantage of the event, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday.

In an official statement, the DILG said it received early reports of pickpocketing incidents and snatchers victimizing devotees while they were practicing their faith.

“Wala pong pinipiling panahon ang mga mandarambong kaya po sana ay patuloy po na mag-ingat ang mga deboto na nakikilahok sa Traslación [Looters do not choose a specific time, so devotees participating in the Traslación are urged to remain vigilant],” the DILG said in a Facebook post issued a few hours earlier.

“Nakabantay po ang PNP (Philippine National Police) ngunit importante din po na tayo ay mag-ingat [The PNP is on alert, but it is also important for us to be cautious],” it added.

More than 18,000 police officers from the PNP were deployed along the Traslación route.

The PNP also deployed plainclothes operatives and intelligence units to counter pickpocketing, theft, scams, and other opportunistic offenses, the DILG said.

Organizers said the Traslación 2026 is expected to be completed within 15 hours.

The procession departed from Quirino Grandstand at 4:00 a.m and is set to return to its home at Quiapo Church.

As of this writing, the carriage, locally known as the andas, of the Black Nazarene was traversing Arlegui Street in Quiapo, Manila, according to the city government’s livestream.

The Black Nazarene procession is the annual transfer of the centuries-old image of Jesus Christ, drawing thousands—if not millions—of barefoot devotees as an expression of faith and penance.

Last year’s feast of the Black Nazarene drew an estimated 8.1 million devotees, one of the highest turnouts recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic.— Edg Adrian A. Eva

99% of firms report attacks targeting AI apps, services; agentic-first platform urged, report shows

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Nearly all organizations or 99% reported at least one attack on their artificial intelligence (AI) applications and services last year amid the rapid adoption of enterprise AI, according to the State of Cloud Security Report 2025. The report urges the adoption of an “agentic-first” solution to stay ahead of these escalating threats.

​The study is based on a survey of over 2,800 security executives and practitioners across 10 countries, conducted by Palo Alto Networks, a global AI and cybersecurity firm.

​”As organizations aggressively scale cloud investments to power AI initiatives, they are inadvertently opening the door to sophisticated new attack vectors,” said Elad Koren, vice president of product management for Cortex, Palo Alto Networks’ AI-driven platform for security operations.

“Our research confirms that traditional approaches to cloud security are inadequate, leaving security teams to fight machine-speed threats with fragmented tools and slow, manual fix cycles.”

​She explained that companies need more than just dashboards showing security risks they cannot resolve, urging a shift toward automated AI platforms that link software development to the central Security Operations Center (SOC) to outpace modern cyberattacks.

​A major finding in the report is that GenAI-assisted “vibe coding,” used by 99% of firms, creates security flaws faster than they can be checked. Meanwhile, of the 52% of teams that release code weekly, only 18% can fix security risks at that same speed.

​The report also noted that attackers are increasingly targeting foundational cloud layers like Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which are tools that allow different software programs to communicate, to overwhelm security teams.

Driven by a heavy reliance on agentic AI, API attacks have jumped by 41%, turning them into a primary entry point for sophisticated threats.

​Identity remains a significant vulnerability, with 53% of firms struggling with weak identity controls, while 28% pointed to unrestricted network access between cloud workloads as a growing threat.

The report emphasized a growing imperative for the unification of cloud security and the SOC, which involves merging the tools and teams that protect cloud data with the central hub that monitors and responds to cyberattacks.

It showed that managing an average of 17 different security tools creates “blind spots” and fragmented data that slow down response times, with 30% of teams taking over a day to resolve a single incident.

But, the consensus now shows that 89% of organizations believe that fully integrating cloud security with the SOC is a strategic necessity to eliminate these gaps and operate at the speed required to stop AI-driven threats.

​To defend against these threats, the report suggests adopting a unified “agentic-first” platform that merges proactive risk reduction with automated response to protect the entire journey from code to cloud.—Edg Adrian A. Eva

Higher power rates, weak peso may stoke inflation this year: BSP

Vendors sell pork inside the Balintawak Coverleaf Market in Quezon City. Photo by Miguel de Guzman, The Philippine Star

HIGHER electricity costs, base effects, and a weakening peso could push Philippine inflation back within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2%-4% target band this year.

“Inflation is projected to settle within the target range in 2026 and 2027 after a subdued inflation environment in 2025,” the BSP said in its Monetary Policy Report for December 2025.

The central bank expects the consumer price index (CPI) to average 3.2% this year and 3% in 2027.

In 2025, inflation averaged 1.7%, the slowest print seen in nine years or since the 1.3% in 2016.

“Higher electricity rates and possible positive base effects could drive inflationary pressures. These base effects follow the decline in food prices, particularly rice prices, in 2025,” the central bank said.

“Inflation is then expected to approach 4% by mid-2026 before easing toward 3% by Q2 2027, as global commodity prices stabilize.”

It added that the lagged impact of its previous rate cuts that may lead to demand-side price pressures, as well as the peso’s depreciation, could also stoke inflation.

The Monetary Board has cut benchmark interest rates by a total of 200 basis points (bps) since its easing cycle began in August 2024, bringing the policy rate to 4.50%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has left the door open to one final cut this year to support the economy if needed. Philippine growth prospects have worsened as a wide-scale corruption scandal has affected both public and private investment.

The Monetary Board will hold its first rate-setting meeting for the year on Feb. 19.

Results of the BSP’s survey of 23 external forecasters (BSEF) for November showed that these governance concerns could continue to affect the economy, which may help temper price pressures.

The analysts see inflation averaging 2.9% for 2026, down from their earlier estimate of 3%. For 2027, their mean inflation forecast was likewise lower at 3% from 3.2%.

“Analysts cited the following upside risks to inflation: adverse weather conditions that could exacerbate food supply issues, upward adjustments in electricity rates, wage hikes, external developments and tariffs, and base effects,” the BSP said.

“The downside risk is seen to emanate from governance issues related to flood control projects, which could dampen the growth and inflation outlook.”

The November 2025 BSEF showed that the respondents assigned an 88.6% probability that inflation would remain within target this year, up from 75.4% in the October survey. The probability of inflation settling within the goal next year also increased to 89.6% from 71.2%.

“Most analysts expect the BSP to further reduce the policy interest rate by another 25–75 bps in 2026 and hold policy settings in 2027,” it added.

DISMAL GROWTH PROSPECTS
Meanwhile, the central bank said fragile business sentiment could continue to dampen economic growth as investment activity may remain weak.

Mr. Remolona earlier said gross domestic product (GDP) growth likely averaged 4.6% in 2025, well below the government’s 5.5%-6.5% full-year goal.

Economic managers have already said the 2025 target could be difficult to reach after the nine-month average was pulled down to 5% by the over four-year low 4% outturn in the third quarter as the graft scandal stalled public spending.

“The growth outlook for 2026 has likewise been lowered, as the investment slowdown is expected to persist through the first half of the year amid less favorable economic sentiment,” the central bank added.

“Growth is projected to be slightly higher in 2027, supported by the lagged impact of the BSP’s policy rate cuts since August 2024. Nonetheless, persistent uncertainty surrounding global economic policies, particularly in trade and investment, continues to pose downside risk to domestic growth.”

The BSP chief earlier said GDP growth could pick up to 5.4% this year, within the government’s revised 5%-6% target, and then to 6.3% in 2027 versus the 5.5%-6.5% goal.

“The output gap has become more negative relative to the previous round, as governance issues have dampened investment prospects… Investment activity is expected to moderate further in 2026, resulting in a negative output gap throughout the year. The output gap is projected to gradually narrow and approach a neutral level by end-2027,” the central bank said.

“At the same time, potential output growth is expected to moderate in the near term, as weak economic sentiment continues to constrain private investment. This is compounded by subdued public infrastructure spending following the proposed removal of flood control projects from the 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways.”

Still, consumption could be supported by rising real wages and household incomes, the BSP said. “[A] gradual recovery in investment activity and infrastructure spending is expected to underpin overall demand beginning in 2027.” — Katherine K. Chan

Pursuit of a more biker-inclusive SM yields record-breaking 36 wins from DoTr, Mobility Awards

When the pandemic put the country in a standstill, many of the everyday yet vital services Filipinos had access to were revoked — one of which was transportation.

The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household’s capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline.

Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.

Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.

“What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice-President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. “Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone.”

Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction

Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.

“It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them,” said Mina Kahn, SM Division head and assistant vice-president for Transportation Management.

For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.

From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.

This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) cited SM’s sustainable approach as a demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year’s Notable Advocacy Program and the SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation for Notable Development by the Private Sector.

 

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Puregold’s ‘Pusong Panalo’ brightens students’ path in remote Rizal village

In an upland village in Tanay, Rizal, children would trek for up to one hour before sunrise just to make it to class. Many from poor and indigenous families, these students have no choice but to walk just to get an education.

To help make their daily trek safer and their school days brighter, leading supermarket chain Puregold Price Club, Inc. recently brought a comprehensive support package for Alas-Asin Elementary school.

The company’s support includes a reliable power source through solar panels, health and dental checkups, and essential goods, including school supplies for students and grocery packs for families. It also built a new playground, giving the community’s children a well-equipped space for play.

To support teachers and learners’ families, Puregold also delivered livelihood packages to provide them with new means to earn a living.

“Ang ganda ng lente ng Puregold, nakita kami. Sobrang liwanag, nakita ‘yung pangangailangan ng school,” according to school head Marvie Guinto. “Although green ang kulay niyo, ginintuan ang puso ng mga staff.”

She noted how Puregold’s gift bags were packed with goodies that many of the children had never even seen or tried before.

“Sobrang saya po kasi po kami ang napili ng Puregold at nabigyan po kami ng pagkain, drinks, at snacks, mga chocolate po, tsinelas at damit,” said one of the beneficiary students.

“‘Yung mga blessings nila, sobra na. ‘Yung dala nila masyadong madami. Thank you po Puregold sa mga biyaya na binigay niyo sa amin,” another student said.

Alas-Asin was the sixth school to benefit from Puregold’s “Pusong Panalo” program in 2025, as the top retailer sustained its program that aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas by providing much needed aid to overlooked communities.

The program, which started in 2024, has reached eight schools across the country so far, with the goal of providing urgent support, including learning technology, essential goods, classroom renovations, and solar panel installations for 30 more schools by 2028.

“Puregold believes that education is the key to a better life. For these children, this school represents their hope for a brighter future. We came here to provide better tools and facilities so these students can achieve their dreams,” said Puregold President Vincent Co.

Puregold believes that every Filipino child with a “gintong pangarap” deserves a fighting chance. Its Pusong Panalo program is looking for more schools to help.

If you know of a school in a remote or underserved area that needs a helping hand, you may reach out to Puregold through the following channels.

Facebook: Message the official Puregold Page

Email: alingpuring@puregold.com.ph

Mail: Puregold Price Club Inc., 900 D. Romualdez St., Paco, Manila, 1007

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Xiaomi names SB19 as official ambassadors of REDMI Note 15 Series in PHL

Photo credit | Xiaomi Philippines

XIAOMI Corp. has tapped P-pop group SB19 as the official ambassadors of its REDMI Note 15 Series smartphones in the Philippines.

The devices will be launched in the country on Jan. 15, with the boy group set to join the event in Cebu to showcase the REDMI Note 15 Series.

“With the tagline ‘It’s Titan Tough,’ the REDMI Note 15 Series inspires users to push boundaries, capture life without compromise, and trust in durability that matches their lifestyle,” the brand said. “The collaboration with SB19 reflects a shared spirit of resilience, creativity, and excellence — values that resonate with today’s driven generation.”​​

The top of the line variants of the series feature a 6,500mAh battery, 100-watt Xiaomi HyperCharge, a 200-megapixel AI Camera, REDMI Titan Durability, and Xiaomi HyperAI.

“This isn’t just a phone — it’s the stage where power, toughness, and artistry collide,” Tomi Adrias, head of Marketing for Xiaomi Philippines, said. — BVR

Five Spanish citizens freed in Venezuela prisoner release

A person holds a Venezuelan flag as government supporters gather after US President Donald Trump said the US has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. — REUTERS/GABY ORAA

SPANISH authorities on Thursday said Venezuela released prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocio San Miguel and four other Spaniards from prison, but local rights groups said Venezuelan prisoners had not yet been freed as promised.

Venezuela’s top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said earlier on Thursday that a significant number of both foreign and Venezuelan prisoners would be freed in the coming hours.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed the release of Mr. San Miguel, an expert on security and Venezuela’s military, in an interview with broadcaster RNE. He named the other freed Spanish citizens as Andres Martinez, Jose Maria Basoa, Ernesto Gorbe, and Miguel Moreno. Spain called Venezuela’s action a “positive step.”

However, a leading local human rights group cast doubt on the scope of the prisoner release, stating that as of Thursday evening, the promised release of Venezuelan nationals, who they describe as political prisoners, had “not been executed in a real way.”

The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners said there was “uncertainty in the detention centers where families stationed at the doors… report that the releases of unjustly imprisoned Venezuelans have not been carried out.”

The prisoners were released during a week of political turmoil in Caracas after the US ouster of President Nicolas Maduro, his arraignment in a New York court on narcoterrorism charges, swearing-in of interim President Delcy Rodriguez and announcement that the US would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude oil stuck in Venezuela under US sanctions.

Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who has several close allies imprisoned, has repeatedly demanded releases.

For years, Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups have said the government uses detentions to stamp out dissent, a charge authorities have consistently denied.

Mr. San Miguel was detained in February 2024 at Maiquetia international airport near Caracas, an arrest widely condemned by opposition politicians and rights organizations.

Leading local rights group Foro Penal estimates there are more than 800 political prisoners in the country. That figure includes at least 86 foreign detainees from the United States, Spain, and other countries.— Reuters

1 killed, 38 missing in Cebu City landfill collapse

Site of the landslide incident in Binaliw, Cebu City.— PHOTO: MAYOR NESTOR D. ARCHIVAL'S FB PAGE

At least one employee was reported killed while 38 others remain missing after a landslide struck a landfill site in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City on Thursday, according to the city’s chief executive.

In an official statement posted on Facebook, Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival said the reported fatality was a 22-year-old female employee.

As of 7:20 a.m., 12 employees had been retrieved and were receiving medical treatment. Seven were taken to the Visayas Medical Center, while five were brought to North General Hospital.

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain ongoing following the landslide, which involved around 110 employees, Mr. Archival said.

“All response teams remain fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons, with strict adherence to safety protocols,” Mr. Archival said in a statement.

He added that a total of 333 personnel from various agencies have been deployed to the area, along with equipment like ambulances, fire trucks, and lighting towers.

Hospitalized victims are receiving continuous medical care, while burial assistance will be extended to the family of the deceased, the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Prime Waste Solutions Cebu, the operator of the Binaliw landfill, said it is working closely with relevant government agencies and the local government to provide the necessary assistance and support to those affected.

The company said the safety and well-being of its employees, contractors, and neighboring communities remain its top priority.

Landfill operations have been suspended, and the public has been advised to avoid the affected area, the company said.

Prime Waste Solutions Cebu said it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.— Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine economy may see faster growth in 2026, 2027 – UN

Customers buy teal-colored T-shirts along Juan Luna Street in Divisoria, Manila, on Dec. 27, 2025. -- Photo by Noel B. Pabalate, The Philippine Star

By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante, Reporter

The Philippine economy may expand at a faster pace this year and in 2027, supported by household consumption and softer inflation, the United Nations (UN) said, as the country rebounds from a corruption scandal.

In its latest World Economic Situation and Prospects report, the UN projected the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5.7% this year and 6.1% in 2027.

“In the Philippines, low inflation, robust labor market conditions, and steady remittance inflows have buoyed consumer spending, while government spending and investment have further supported growth,” the UN said.

The UN’s forecasts are both within the revised government’s 5-6% growth target for this year and within the 5.5-6.5% target for 2027.

It also noted that GDP growth likely averaged 5% in 2025, below the government’s 5.5-6.5% target and the actual 5.7% growth in 2024.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said the Philippines’ economic growth may have slowed to 4.8% to 5% in 2025, due to the controversy on anomalous flood control projects that affected government spending and hurt business and consumer confidence.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release official fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 GDP data on Jan. 29.

Despite this, the Philippines is projected to be the second-fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia this year and in 2027.

Vietnam is projected to grow by 6% this year, followed by the Philippines (5.7%), Cambodia (5.1%), Indonesia (5%), Malaysia (4.0%), Laos (3.8%), Timor-Leste (3.3%), Myanmar (3%), Thailand (2%), Singapore (1.8%), and Brunei (1.5%).

For 2027, Vietnam is still likely to post the fastest growth at 6.2%, followed by the Philippines (6.1%), Cambodia (5.5%), Indonesia (5.2%), Malaysia (4.5%), Laos (4%), Timor-Leste (3.2%), Myanmar (3%), Thailand (2.6%), Singapore (2%), and Brunei (2.1%).

The Philippines’ forecast is above than the UN’s projected average growth of 4.4% for East Asia this year and in 2027.

At the same time, the UN also anticipates inflation settling at 2.3% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, slower than the BSP’s 3.2% forecast for 2026, and 3% in 2027.

Headline inflation picked up to 1.8% in December, which brought the full-year average to 1.7% in 2025.

AweSM Cebu 2026 brings Sinulog spectacle to the max across SM Malls

Honor faith, culture, and grandeur as Sinulog takes the gala to the max in full splendor — where cherished traditions meet breathtaking spectacle, bringing the spirit of the festival to life at SM.

Sinulog season kicks into high gear as AweSM Cebu 2026 takes over SM City Cebu, SM Seaside, and SM J Mall, delivering curated experiences that grow in energy, scale, and excitement as the festivities unfold. Designed for families, foodies, creatives, and fans, the three malls’ celebrations transform everyday mall moments into a city-wide Sinulog gala.

At SM City Cebu, the energy reaches full, maxed-out festival mode, where shopping, spectacle, and star power take center stage. Festival enthusiasts can explore Sinulogtopia with Islands Souvenirs from Jan. 3-28 at the Lower Ground of the Main Mall, while the immersive GLOW CITY: Sinulog Centerpiece at the North Wing Atrium sets the visual tone of the festivities from Jan. 8-21. Catch the electric moves of the AweSM Glow Dance Competition on Jan. 17 at the North Wing, and crowd excitement peaks with Coco Martin Live on Jan. 17 at the Lower Ground of the Main Mall and the Kapuso Stars Mall Show on Jan. 18 at the Main Mall.

Meanwhile, SM Seaside City Cebu anchors anticipation through meaningful and distinctly Cebuano experiences. The Sto. Niño Exhibit at the Cube Wing Atrium provides the spiritual heart of Sinulog from Jan. 8-28, while shoppers can checkout the homegrown flavors at Nakakalokal Goes to SM Seaside from Jan. 16-18 at the Mountain Wing Atrium, and the crowd-favorite AweSM Lechon Fest from Jan. 12-18 at the Seaview Wing Atrium. Maxing out the star-studded energy, the Sinulog Kapamilya Caravan rolls into SM Seaside’s concert grounds on Jan. 17, while fur parents also get their moment at AweSM Petstival on Jan. 24 at the Mountain Wing Atrium.

At SM J Mall, the celebration opens on a reflective and artistic note. Vested in Devotion: Cebu’s Fashion in Faith exhibit runs from Jan. 9-31 at The Atrium, Upper Ground, followed by Vested Devotion: Rhythms of Cebu on Jan. 18, and culminating in Vested in Devotion: Runway Edition on Jan. 31, highlighting the movement, music, and meaning behind Cebu’s devotion. Creative tribes can enjoy hands-on experiences through AweSM Mask Painting on Jan. 10 at Kyureto Art Space, Second Level, while shoppers ease into the season with the AweSM Cebu Sale 2026 from Jan. 12-18 at participating stores across SM J Mall, SM City Cebu, and SM Seaside.

The Sinulog spectacle reaches its ultimate high on Jan. 18, as SM City Cebu’s ILLUMINIGHT: Sinulog Drone & Pyro Show takes center stage fronting the North Wing expansion building at 7 p.m., and SM Seaside City Cebu’s AweSM Skypark Grand Pyro Display light up the Cebu skyline at 9 p.m., delivering a breathtaking, city-wide finale built on maximum experiences that celebrate devotion, creativity, and festivity at its grandest.

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.

 

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Devotees in Philippines join massive ‘Black Nazarene’ procession

Devotees of Jesus Nazareno line up at the Quirino Grandstand, with the queue already stretching around the Manila Hotel on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. —PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

MANILA — Hundreds of thousands of Philippine devotees joined an annual procession of a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ on Friday, one of the world’s largest displays of Catholic faith that this year served as a platform to criticize corrupt officials in the graft-weary nation.

Filipinos turned the streets of Manila into a sea of maroon and gold as they swarmed the “Black Nazarene”, a life-sized image of Jesus Christ half-kneeling and bearing a wooden cross, which dates back to at least the 17th century.

Devotees jostled for a chance to pull the thick rope towing the carriage, while others clambered out of the crowd to touch the glass-encased statue.

Around 439,000 people had joined the procession by 8 a.m. on Friday morning, organizers estimated. The crowd is expected to swell in the next several hours as the procession moves along its route.

Many devotees believe touching the statue would bring blessings and heal their illnesses. Nearly 80% of Filipinos identify as Roman Catholic.

Some influential Church leaders took advantage of this year’s feast to criticize the political establishment, with the country still reeling from a graft scandal related to overvalued and unbuilt flood mitigation projects that have discouraged investors and slowed economic growth.

Bishop Rufino Sescon, a former parish priest of the Quiapo church, which is the custodian of the Black Nazarene, told devotees to learn from Jesus Christ, who humbled himself for love, unlike certain government officials who cling on to power amid accusations of wrongdoing that has hurt other people.

“Have mercy on the nation,” he said. “You should be ashamed; step down voluntarily for the sake of mercy and love,” Bishop Sescon said in his homily, without naming specific politicians.

The procession, called the “traslacion”, or translation, commemorates the transfer of the Black Nazarene from a church inside the old Spanish capital of Intramuros to its present location in the Quiapo church.

The image was brought to the Philippines from Mexico in the 1600s during the galleon trade when the country was still a colony of Spain.— Reuters

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