Environment crucial to food security
By Stephen Rey Patron
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Protecting the environment is essential to ensuring food and nutrition security, as climate change and disasters pose growing threats to the environment.
Regional officials from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and its local counterparts stressed the concern during the latest episode of Kapihan sa PIA 12, which celebrated the 52nd Nutrition Month.
Hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 12, the forum highlighted this year’s Nutrition Month sub-theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan.”
The theme cited the important connection between environmental sustainability and nutrition within the framework of the five-year Nutrition Month campaign, which is centered around the overarching theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyon, Sapat Para sa Lahat.”
NNC-12 Nutrition Program coordinator Gladys Mae Fernandez said environmental degradation, climate change and unsustainable systems significantly impact on food production.
These factors, she said, contribute to rising food prices, diminished purchasing power, and an increased risk of malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations.
“If our environment is unhealthy, then the sources of our food and our nutrition will be negatively impacted, Fernandez said, stressing the environment directly influences the availability of safe and nutritious food.
Fernandez cited the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of SOCCSKSARGEN as an example of how disasters can disrupt transportation, livelihoods and food accessibility, particularly in severely affected communities where commercial establishments temporarily ceased operations.
To tackle these challenges, she said the NNC promptly activated the Nutrition Cluster within the Health Cluster to oversee the nutritional status of
at-risk groups in evacuation centers.
“We activated the Nutrition Cluster. We assessed our vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant and lactating mothers and children aged zero to five years old,” said Fernandez.
“We also provided nutrition education, nutrition commodities and coordinated with the Department of Health, local government units, and UNICEF for therapeutic foods, breastfeeding kits and other nutrition interventions,” she added.
The General Santos City local government immediately activated its Health Emergency Management System (HEMS) following the June 8 earthquake to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of nutrition and health services to displaced families.
City health and nutrition action officer Dr. Lalaine M. Calonzo said the city’s emergency response focused on four key pillars: nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); medical consultation; and mental health and psycho-social support.
According to her, the parameters aim to protect the health of families residing in evacuation centers.
“We have 18 evacuation centers, and during the medical consultation, we conducted nutrition activities. We provided Vitamin A to children aged 6 to 59 months. For the lactating mothers and the pregnant, we gave readyto-use supplementary food (RUSF). We also provided breastfeeding kits and hygiene kits for every family,” Calonzo said.
She added that children having nutritional concerns immediately underwent proper assessment and management, while water and sanitation interventions were intensified to prevent disease outbreaks in evacuation centers. PIA
Second of 3 parts
THAT last part is interesting. So renewable energy isn’t without its pitfalls?
DL: No, there can be downsides. Some renewables, especially wind and solar, are variable, and one way to manage that variability is through storage. Batteries are a common solution, and many rely on minerals such as lithium, which is often found in sensitive ecosystems, including salt flats and high-altitude wetlands. If there are no safeguards around the mining of these critical energy transition minerals, the consequences can be devastating both for the environment and for nearby communities, which are often Indigenous.
So, vulnerable groups could end up paying the price for the transition to green energy?
DL: Yes. In fact, that’s already happening in many places. But it can be avoided. Countries need to enact social and environmental safeguards that consider the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. You don’t want to just swap the damage done by fossil fuels for the damage done by mining. GEO-7 isn’t saying, “Don’t mine.” It’s saying, “Do it with caution, and do it ethically.”
That more holistic approach was a key aspect of GEO-7, wasn’t it? Coursing through the report is the idea that you don’t want to solve one problem by creating another DL: Yes, exactly. GEO-7 looked at three interlinked crises–climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. The report explored how solutions to all these interconnected crises could work together to drive the kind of systemic transformation that’s needed to protect and restore the planet. (To be continued) UNEP News
Ifugao
links nature, nutrition to sustainable future
By Maria Aprila Cruz
LAMUT, Ifugao—Protecting nature and ensuring good nutrition go hand in hand, and Ifugao’s rich indigenous practices hold the key to a sustainable future.
Arnel D. Bilibli, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), stressed the point during the joint regional and provincial launch of the 2026 Nutrition Month here on July 8.
Aligned with this year’s theme
“Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” Bilibli said human health and environmental health are inseparable. Poor soil, polluted water and
changing weather patterns reduce food quality and cause malnutrition, while a malnourished community lacks the strength to protect its surroundings. He cited Ifugao’s own heritage as a proven solution, citing the Muyong, the indigenous forest management system that serves as a natural watershed. The practice safeguards water sources for the rice terraces, ensuring a steady supply of nutrient-rich traditional rice and aquatic life.
“Long before sustainability became a global term, our ancestors already practiced this perfect balance. The Muyong protects the ecosystem, and in return, the ecosystem feeds our
UN: Disasters are reaching ‘nightmare proportions’
CLIMATE-DRIVEN disasters are reaching
“nightmare proportions” due to humanity’s “addiction” to fossil fuels, a top UN official warned last week.
“The climate alarm is blaring from every direction,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in a statement.
“With the mercury set to soar again this week, the awful costs of this climate crisis–both human and economic–are now reaching national emergency levels.”
Why it matters
Over 250,000 hectares of land in Europe has burned, with 1,254 fires detected since the start of 2026.
Record-breaking wildfires are tearing through France, Spain and other parts of Europe, forcing mass evacuations and hammering regional and national economies.
In North Africa, temperatures are approaching 49°C, putting lives and livelihoods in grave jeopardy, and putting hospitals and power systems under severe strain
In Chile, deadly storms have destroyed homes and lives.
In Japan, records are tumbling as temperatures soar, now reaching the longest 40°C heat streak ever recorded.
Clear solutions
Stiell said these “spiraling disasters” are now the lived reality for billions in a world getting rapidly hotter as humanity moves too slowly from fossil fuels to clean energy—and fails to sufficiently protect forests.
The science on the cause is unequivocal, he explained, emphasizing that global heating, driven by humanity burning “colossal amounts” of coal, oil and gas, is making protracted heat-
waves, severe floods and violent mega-storms more frequent, more intense and more costly.
“What needs to be done is equally clear: leave coal, oil and gas behind faster, scale up renewables and protect people where the impacts are already hitting hardest,” Stiell said.
Many vulnerable countries on the frontlines need support to move at the speed and scale necessary, to avert disaster.
Wildfires’ far reach
In 2023, dangerous smoke from Canadian wildfires wafted across the northeastern United States and then across the Atlantic Ocean, causing health threats while demonstrating their far reach.
This summer, Canada’s wildfires have again cast a pall of orange smoke pollution across the skies of New York state, leading to air quality warnings across the region.
Indeed, smoke from wildfires can travel thousands of kilometers, crossing borders, oceans and continents. Understanding where it will go next has become an increasingly important scientific challenge, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported.
Understanding and addressing the threat wildfire smoke poses is paramount. Advance warning is important so governments and communities can implement timely protective measures.
WMO said that reliable monitoring, forecasting, cross-border data sharing and early warnings are critical to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.
Through the Early Warnings for All initiative, WMO is advancing these efforts by promoting standardized frameworks, enhancing interoperability and fostering international collaboration on fire weather services. UN News
people,” he said. Bilibli proposed three strategic priorities summarized by the acronym PNC:
—preserve our watersheds, forests and ancestral food sources, recognizing that protecting the environment is the first step to feeding the population.
—nourish communities through sustainable food production, supporting community and backyard gardens and promoting nutrient-dense local crops over processed foods.
—cultivate awareness and unity, combining the traditional spirit of communal cooperation with modern education and digital platforms to spread good practices.PIA
THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed a $6.78-million (approximately ₱418 million) technical assistance grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), an international backing to help boost local climate action in the country.
Approved under the GCF’s second replenishment period (GCF-2), the landmark funding makes the Philippines the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to gain access to the specialized readiness support.
The 60-month Third Readiness and Preparatory Support Program (RPSP 3) moves beyond basic capacity building. It is engineered to streamline inter-agency coordination, build a highly viable pipeline of climate projects, and lock in rigorous national monitoring systems. For the CCC, as the lead policy-making body, the grant is an operational necessity to equip a highly vulnerable nation with the institutional capacity required to execute systemic climate defenses.
With communities constantly facing the threat of intensifying typhoons, erratic rainfall and rising sea levels, the CCC views the RPSP 3 cycle as a vital mechanism to drive the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Official estimates show the Philippines requires US$72 billion (P4.2 trillion) between 2020 and 2030 to hit its NDC mitigation targets in critical sectors like energy, transport
A wildfire burns on the hills of Estreito da Calheta, Portugal. ©Unsplash /Michael Held(file)
CCC vice chairperson and executive director
Robert E.A. Borje
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
COMEDY heavyweights Jerald Napoles and Pepe Herrera are taking their longtested chemistry from the stage to the big screen in the upcoming film Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa, proving that the secret ingredient to a great tandem lies in teamwork and perfectly timed punchlines.
Napoles revealed that his working relationship with Herrera began even before they entered showbiz as actors. Their partnership, he said, has always been rooted in helping each other create better performances.
“I know Pepe from work. We were not yet actors then. I have really tested Pepe when it comes to working,” Napoles shared. “Since we always consider the output, we are collaborative and willing to help each other whenever something needs to be adjusted in the process.”
The actor recalled their time in the musical Rak of Aegis, where their different strengths complemented each other. Since Napoles had more theater experience, he often shared character notes with Herrera, while Herrera, a voice and music major, helped him refine his singing.
“When it comes to things I don’t know, especially being very detailed and particular with singing, I ask Pepe to teach me,” Napoles said.
MIKA Salamanca said her relationship with rumored boyfriend Will Ashley continues to grow, describing their current status as getting “deeper” as they spend more time together.
“You mean, the real score?
I would say it’s high! Actually, our relationship is getting deeper. I’m getting to know him better in the passing of days,” Mika stated. “You know, Will is someone who’s very consistent with me after PBB. Until now, he’s very consistent in pursuing me. On my part, I’m strongly considering what with all the efforts he’s been exerting.” Mika also expressed hope that they would reunite onscreen.
Ariana Grande exits West End debut
POP star Ariana Grande has dropped out of what would have been her debut appearance in London’s West End, the show’s producers said Sunday, as a representative for the singer said she wants to take a “step back” from the public eye.
The 33-year-old Grande had been slated to star opposite her Wicked castmate Jonathan Bailey in Stephen Sondheim ’s musical Sunday in the Park with George in the summer of 2027 at London’s Barbican Theatre.
But amid renewed public scrutiny over the singer’s health, particularly on social media, her representative said she wants a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances” after her Eternal Sunshine tour wraps in London on Sept. 1.
“We can confirm that she has decided
to step back from Sunday in the Park with George ,” producers said in a statement posted on the show’s official X account, without providing a reason for Grande’s withdrawal.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,” the statement said, adding that the show would go ahead as planned and that casting would be announced, “in due course.”
“We wish her nothing but the best.”
Grande’s representative told People magazine that while the Grammy-winning artist is eager to complete her tour, she wants to take a “step back from visibility,” as her many public appearances have “led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
Fans have expressed growing concern about
her health, particularly after Friday’s release of the music video for “Petal,” in which the singer appears to have lost significant weight. Grande has previously said that bodyshaming comments are “really dangerous.”
She began her career as a teenager on Broadway before embarking on a hugely successful pop career.
Her star turn as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.
The massive success of the film and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, kept Grande on a constant media tour for the better part of two years.
She is set to appear in the comedy Fockerin-Law alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, which opens in theaters in November. AFP
Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera find
“I’m really praying for that. Even before PBB, it’s my dream to work with him. That’s why I was happy that we were given the chance to be together in The Secrets of Hotel 88 on GMA. It’s always exciting to share the frame with a good actor like him,” she went on.
The pair previously drew dating speculation after vacationing in Thailand with friends in April and sharing photos from Bangkok on social media. They later clarified that the trip was simply a chance to unwind after months of work. For now, Mika explained that she is happy with where things stand.
“We’re very, very close at this point. He’s been consistently pursuing me, and I appreciate it so much. Let’s see in the coming days,” she said.
* * * Meanwhile, Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera maintained that they are not yet officially a couple despite continued
speculation from fans.
“Yes, despite the sweetness fans see in us, we’re still not yet an item. On my part, I’m just waiting for the answer and if it takes forever, I would still be willing to wait,” Dustin said. Bianca said there is no reason to rush their relationship. “As for me, there should be no hurry. Dustin and I don’t want to rush things. I mean, we have so much time together. There’s no denying that he’s a great guy. I think, he’s the most consistent man I’ve ever met in my entire life besides my dad. I admire Dustin with how he fights for what he wants in life,” she said. Dustin said he is simply enjoying the time they spend together. “We make sure that we really enjoy the closeness we have at present,” he said.
Herrera, meanwhile, admired Napoles’ dedication to his craft, saying they share the same desire to create work that goes beyond simply getting the job done.
“When it comes to being an actor, I think we have the same level of passion for what we do. We don’t want to settle for something that is just okay,” Herrera said. “We want it to be beautiful and become a work of art. That’s where we agree.”
Their friendship and creative rhythm were witnessed by Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa director Raynier F. Brizuela
“The set was not only filled with their comedic energy but also shaped by a collaborative environment,” the director shared.
The film follows Don (Herrera), a man who learns he only has 24 hours left to live and embarks on a final mission to taste the world’s most delicious pares. Joining him is his loyal best friend Mola (Napoles), a street-smart companion whose plans often lead them into unexpected chaos. Their food adventure quickly turns into a wild chase involving dangerous enemies, including Doc Thor (Gene Padilla), a corrupt doctor after Don’s healthy liver.
The film also stars Yanyan De Jesus, Christine Bermas, and comedians TJ Valderrama, Kedebon Colim, Jobelyn Manuel, James Caraan, and Nonong Ballinan
Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 26
SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day, Sony and Marvel’s latest chapter in the comic book franchise starring Tom Holland as the iconic webslinger, raked in a massive $355 million in its North American debut, industry estimates showed Sunday. The opening was the second biggest in domestic box office history, behind only Avengers: Endgame (2019), which opened with $357 million, not adjusted for inflation, according to Box Office Mojo.
The film, which also stars Zendaya, Mark Ruffalo, Florence Pugh, and Sadie Sink, sees Peter Parker living in isolation after erasing his identity from the world while confronting a personal transformation and new threats. The ninth live-action Spider-Man film, following earlier portrayals of the superhero by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, earned an additional $573 million overseas, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Rela-
tions, pushing its worldwide total to $928 million. Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster, The Odyssey, held onto second place with $51 million, lifting its domestic total to nearly $400 million. Based on Homer’s ancient epic poem, the Universal film follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he faces a series of obstacles on his journey home from the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland co-star as Penelope and Telemachus. Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 5 placed third with $6.3 million, followed by
‘Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa’ cast members Jerald Napoles (left) and Pepe Herrera (right) with director
Raynier F. Brizuela at the film’s media conference
Tom Holland’s latest ‘Spider-Man’ film posts one of the biggest domestic box-office openings in history
Mika Salamanca (left) appreciates Will Ashley’s steady effort as their relationship continues to grow closer
Dustin Yu (left) and Bianca De Vera take their time as they enjoy the closeness they have built
‘Mompreneurs’
build disaster-ready businesses amid unpredictable disruptions
Home-based entrepreneurs are urged to protect inventory, records, payments, and customer communication as disasters pose risks to small businesses
RUNNING a home-based business requires “mompreneurs” (mothers who run their own businesses) to juggle customer orders, household responsibilities, and growth plans. But in the Philippines, where typhoons, floods, and other disasters can strike with little warning, keeping operations running can become a challenge overnight.
For many home-based entrepreneurs, calamities can mean damaged inventory, delayed deliveries, interrupted communication, and lost income. Preparing for these disruptions, however, does not require a complex business strategy. Simple steps to protect supplies, secure records, and maintain communication can help businesses recover faster.
One common challenge is protecting inventory. Power interruptions can spoil ingredients, while flooding can damage raw materials, packaging, and finished products. Mompreneurs can reduce risks by
storing supplies on raised shelves, using waterproof containers, and preparing ice packs to protect perishables during shortterm storage.
Delivery delays and unstable connectivity can also affect customer relationships. Entrepreneurs can prepare by informing customers of possible delays, saving ready-to-send advisory messages, and keeping alternative courier contacts. However, safety should remain the priority when arranging deliveries during severe weather.
Digital disruptions pose another challenge. Damaged devices or unavailable payment platforms can affect access to orders, supplier details, and funds. Regularly backing up business files, maintaining offline records of urgent contacts, and setting aside an emergency fund can help keep operations moving.
Reliable connectivity has also become an essential part of business preparedness.
It allows mompreneurs to monitor weather updates, communicate with customers, manage digital payments, and respond quickly during disruptions.
PLDT Home supports this need through network improvements, service advisories, and PLDT At Your Service teams that assist affected communities. These efforts include free Wi-Fi, charging stations, calls, and customer support to help households and entrepreneurs reconnect after emergencies.
Beyond preparation, community support remains valuable for small business owners. PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community for mompreneurs, provides a platform where women can exchange ideas, share experiences, and offer practical solutions during challenges. While disasters cannot be avoided, preparation and strong support networks can help mompreneurs protect their businesses, recover faster, and continue serving their customers despite unexpected setbacks.
Tech hub gives shoppers experience of the future right in their palms
By Nickie Wang
AS MOBILE innovation continues to accelerate, SM Cyberzone remains a destination where consumers can explore new devices, compare features, and find the right technology companion for their lifestyle.
Smartphone shopping is getting a high-tech makeover as SM Cyberzone takes the latest devices, exclusive deals, and interactive experiences on a nationwide tour through the Cyberzone Mobile Expo. The mobile showcase kicked off at SM North EDSA on July 11 and 12, drawing thousands of shoppers eager to explore the newest smartphones, test emerging features, and score eventonly offers from leading technology brands. With smartphones now serving as work tools, entertainment hubs, creative studios, and digital wallets, finding the right device has become a major decision for many consumers. The
expo allows shoppers to move beyond online comparisons by testing AIpowered features, camera capabilities, gaming performance, and connected accessories in one place.
“The Cyberzone Mobile Expo is designed to help Filipinos discover what’s new, experience the latest innovations firsthand, and shop with confidence through our trusted retailers,” Patrick Pacla, vice president for operations and marketing (Sponsorship and Cyberzone) of SM Supermalls, said.
Co-presented by DITO Telecommunity, the event highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity as mobile technology continues to
AI gets a Filipino-friendly upgrade
By Raine Kiesha Mendoza
EMBRACING the digital future has never been easier. At a special event held on Thursday, July 16, at Electric Garden in Bonifacio Global City, AI Fiesta and Globe Cloud showcased an all-in-one AI platform and a secure cloud backup system. The launch aims to make artificial intelligence more accessible, secure, and practical for everyday Filipinos.
“One of the biggest strengths of AI Fiesta is that it brings multiple advanced AI models together in one platform,” said Globe chief marketing officer KD Dizon. “Instead of locking yourself to just one tool, AI Fiesta lets you choose the right tool for the task.”
For Mohammad Hasan, co-founder and CEO of AI Fiesta, the goal is to democratize access. He explained that having “all AI tools in one platform at a
fraction of the cost, it is indeed a fiesta of all AI tools now.”
Alongside AI Fiesta, Globe also unveiled Globe Cloud, a secure storage service that allows users to easily back up files across devices while offering AI-powered photo enhancement and PIN-protected private folders. Globe vice president for the Experience Group Coco Domingo said the service is now available on the web and Android, with iOS launching soon.
To encourage more users to try the platform, Globe Cloud is offering an introductory rate of P5 per month for the first three months, with regular plans starting at P39 a month, making secure cloud storage more accessible to everyday users.
Beyond helping people become more productive, Hasan shared that AI is also becoming a space where
some users seek conversation and emotional support.
“A higher percentage of our users come to AI to solve loneliness,” he said, noting that many people use AI simply to talk through their thoughts or share their concerns.
As these tools become a normal part of daily life, Globe wants to ensure that convenience does not come at the cost of safety. Dizon believes AI should help people make better decisions, not replace human judgment, and that it should be designed fairly and responsibly. Making AI accessible is no longer just about technology. It’s about opening opportunities. Through an accessible, secure, and intuitive platform, AI Fiesta and Globe Cloud aim to help more Filipinos turn curiosity into confidence as the country moves toward an AI-powered future.
evolve, supporting activities such as cloud gaming, high-definition streaming, video calls, and content creation. In partnership with Salmon, the expo also made smartphone upgrades more accessible through flexible payment solutions. Gaming enthusiasts found their own space at the event through Razer Gold’s Gaming Lounge, where visitors played, connected, and explored mobile gaming experiences. The second day ended with a Mobile Legends tournament that brought together aspiring players, gaming enthusiasts, and spectators.
Participating brands Vivo, Tecno, Honor, Infinix, Ugreen, and DataBlitz
showcased their latest innovations through product demonstrations, exclusive promotions, and hands-on experiences.
The strong turnout during the opening weekend reflected the growing demand for hands-on technology experiences, allowing shoppers to compare devices, interact with product experts, and make informed purchasing decisions.
Following its initial stops at SM North EDSA, SM City Laoag, and SM City Santa Rosa, the Cyberzone Mobile Expo continues to bring smartphone discoveries, tech deals, and immersive experiences closer to Filipino consumers.
A product presentation gives shoppers a closer look at new mobile features, gaming performance, and upgrade options
From left: Mohammad Hasan, KD Dizon, and Coco Domingo present new digital tools designed to make AI access and cloud backup easier for Filipino users
SM Cyberzone draws shoppers to a mobile showcase where they can test new devices, compare features, and check eventonly deals
Young visitors gather around gaming stations as the mobile expo brings players, spectators, and tech buyers into one weekend event
By Jasper Valdez
COLLECTIBLE
toys are no longer confined to store shelves and glass cabinets. Brands are turning them into mall attractions where visitors can explore themed spaces, take photos, and spend time with the characters behind the merchandise.
The
Off the shelf LIFE
Collectible toys step off the rack and into interactive experiences
Pop Mart brings this approach to Glorietta with the DIMOO WORLD × PIXAR Pop-up Store, the first DIMOOthemed retail space in the Philippines. Open until Sept. 23, the temporary store is located on the ground floor near the mall’s Ayala Avenue entrance.
Created by artist Ayan Deng DIMOO is known for his oversized
By Angelica Villanueva
TRADITIONAL embroi-
dery from communities in Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato is moving beyond its regional roots and onto everyday clothing through a collaboration that places Filipino craftsmanship at the heart of Uniqlo’s celebration of 70 years of PhilippinesJapan relations.
The Japanese apparel retailer introduced the Re.Uniqlo Special Artisan Patches alongside cultural installations, limited-edition offerings, and other activities under the campaign, “Celebrating Our Friendship: Japanese Innovation for Everyday Filipino Life.”
For the artisan patch project, art director Wilson Limon worked with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and communities under its Schools of Living Traditions program. The collaboration involves Itneg artisans from Abra, Panay Bukidnon embroiderers from Calinog, Iloilo, and T’boli craftspeople from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Their designs draw inspiration from agriculture, nature, oral traditions, ancestral beliefs, and daily community life.
The motifs are embroidered onto patches made from Re.Uniqlo fabric scraps, allowing customers to repair or personalize their clothing while giving unused materials a new purpose. “This collaboration translates heritage into wearable art, and it makes Filipino craftsmanship accessible without losing authenticity,” Limon said.
Born and raised in Davao City, Limon said the work traces back to his college thesis in 2014, when he met artisans near Mount Apo and saw their techniques firsthand. The experience led him to explore ways of bringing regional traditions into casual clothing without separating the designs from their cultural meanings.
The project provides livelihood opportunities for about 15 to 20 artisans in each participating community, he said. It may also encourage younger residents to learn embroidery as more community members leave their home-
eyes and cloud companion. The Glorietta space builds on the character’s dream-inspired stories through installations, interactive areas, and themed displays rather than relying on rows of blind boxes alone. The pop-up also carries the DIMOO WORLD × PIXAR collection, which places the character in familiar roles
from films including Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., WALL-E, Up, Coco, and The Incredibles. The lineup includes collectible figures, plush pendants, and accessories.
A separate launch area at the Palm Drive Activity Center, held from July 23 to 25, gave visitors more room to explore activities based on the
collaboration. The event made the opening feel more like a short-term attraction than a conventional store launch.
Such spaces reflect how designer-toy retailers are expanding the collecting experience. Shoppers may arrive for a specific figure, but the displays and photo areas encourage them to stay,
Threads of friendship
Japanese retailer celebrates seven decades of PH-Japan ties with Filipino craft and regional installations
towns to seek work in cities.
“It gives them pride. They thought their embroidery would only stay there, but no, there’s a lot of potential for their embroidery. We should give them the platform to be seen,” he told Manila Standard Life
The limited-time patches will be available from July 29 to Aug. 30 for P300 each. The broader program comes as Uniqlo prepares to mark its 15th anniversary in the Philippines in 2027. The company opened its first local store in 2012 and has since expanded to 81 branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Uniqlo said it plans to reach more communities outside major urban centers while continuing to offer clothing developed with Japanese technologies, including AIRism, Heattech, Dry-Ex, and Miracle Air. The company also partnered with Salcedo
share their visit online, and interact with fellow collectors.
The pop-up is also Pop Mart’s first location in Glorietta ahead of a permanent branch scheduled to open in October. Its two-month run shows how collectible characters are being used not only to fill shelves but also to shape how people spend time in malls.
Auctions on three installations representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The displays pair Philippine landscapes with Japanese symbols, including a lotus set against the
Rice Terraces, a crane among Visayan coconut groves, and koi swimming through a seascape inspired by Mindanao.
Another collaboration resulted in the Ube Kome Cloud, a seasonal drink made with Japanese burnt rice milk and cream foam, featuring Bohol’s
Banaue
The Artisan Patches showcases the country’s cultural heritage through handcrafted embroidery
From left: Re.UNIQLO Special Artisan Patches art director Wilson Limon, Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma, and UNIQLO Philippines marketing director Jan Jizelle Ang lead the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines–Japan Friendship
Itneg weavers from Abra create embroidered motifs inspired by frogs and the Kukko pattern
Panubok embroidery from Iloilo features symbolic patterns inspired by nature, oral traditions, and ancestral beliefs
T’boli weavers from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, create intricate textiles inspired by nature and spiritual traditions
Collectors can take home pieces from a collection inspired by familiar Pixar films and characters
Media guests are treated with exclusive blind boxes from the pop-up store
The DIMOO WORLD × PIXAR pop-up turns collectible toys into an interactive mall attraction at Glorietta
DIMOO’s dream-inspired world expands through themed displays designed for browsing, photos, and shared experiences