There is a certain rhythm to Batangas City—one that reveals itself in the steady movement of people, services, and systems that increasingly seem to work in sync. From its role as a key industrial and port hub in Southern Luzon, the city has long been defined by commerce and connectivity. But beneath that economic identity, a quieter transformation appears to be taking shape—one focused on expansion and organization. Processes are being tightened. Services are being streamlined. And governance, often perceived as reactive, is beginning to feel better structured.
With YAKAP now in place, Dr. Mercado says his hope for the years ahead is not simply better coverage figures, but a deeper sense of peace of mind among Filipino families.
Dennis Guevarra, the Philippines Graphic Ad Sales Manager, found himself in a fix. One of the major sponsors was having second thoughts about the amount of support for their upcoming event.
A young girl enjoys refreshments in the shade on Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte—one of the country’s most picturesque coastal destinations. Scenes like this underscore the importance of protecting the moments and places that matter most.
Boatmen in Coron, Palawan celebrated International Workers’ Day on May 1 while guiding tourists around the Calamianes island group. They work closely with the municipal government and local tourism office to sustain income opportunities until the months leading to the rainy season.
The SM by the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex was transformed into a thrilling, inclusive celebration as SM Supermalls, in collaboration with RunRio, hosted SM Supermalls’ first-ever Pride Run on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The event brought together thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) members and allies for a day of unity, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
A Historic First: The energy was electric as over 5,000 runners gathered for 10km, 5km, and 3km races. Decked out in Pride Run singlets, race bibs, and timing chips, participants were ready to hit the pavement and make history.
(L-R): RunRio President Rio de la Cruz, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, 10k race category winner Juan Carlo Igos, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Wieneke, and LoveYourselfPH Head of Administration and Business Development Calvin June Sintoy
BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Wieneke (second from right) presents a check amounting to P500,000 to LoveYourselfPH Head of Administration and Business Development Calvin June Sintoy (second from left). They are joined by SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno and RunRio President Rio de la Cruz.
RunRio President Rio de la Cruz
The 10k race participants, led by RunRio President Rio de la Cruz (5th from the left, front row), prepare to run the first-ever Pride Run.
Who Stole the Show? Among the standout moments, Juan Karlo Igos clinched first place in the 10km race with an impressive time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds, while Cavin Vedal dominated the 5km race, crossing the finish line in just 16 minutes and 47 seconds, and Mark Angelo Biagtan was the 3km division’s quickest finisher with a run time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds. But the real showstoppers were the participants’ dazzling outfits, turning the run into a runway of creativity.
Juan Karlo Igos finishes first in the 10km race with a run time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds. Cavin Vedal crosses the 5km finish line in first place with a run time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds.Mark Angelo Biagtan (back, center) holds up the champion’s trophy as the 3km division’s quickest finisher with a run time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds, posing with the top 10 finishers of the 3km race alongside the event sponsors.The top 10 finishers of the 10 km category with the sponsors of Pride Run.The top 10 finishers of the 5 km beam with pride alongside the event sponsors from SM Supermalls, RunRio, ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, LoveYourselfPH, Pantay Inc., and the Metro Manila Pride Organization.Participants champion a more inclusive society at Pride Run 2024.The inaugural Pride Run 2024 at SM by the BAY, SM Mall of Asia Complex unites people from all backgrounds in celebration of love and diversity.A kid joins the Pride Run, showing it’s never too early to celebrate diversity and equality.
Celebs and Influencers Spotted: The event saw appearances from notable personalities including Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz Estrada, actor Gardo Versoza, and popular content creator Minnie Nato. Their presence added a touch of star power to the already glittering event.
Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz EstradaActor Gardo VersozaContent creator Minnie Nato
Epic Performances: The finish line was just the beginning of the fun! The crowd was treated to electrifying performances by artists Dey XD, Andy Crocker, Moonlight, and the sensational Taylor Sweft, whose performance had everyone dancing and singing along.
Taylor Swift impersonator, Taylor Sweft, charms the crowd at Pride Run 2024 with a lively performance.Performers Dey XD, Andy Crocker, and Moonlight light up the stage with trending dance hits.
Costume Extravaganza: The much-anticipated Costume Contest did not disappoint. From superhero ensembles to playful banana costumes, participants went all out, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities. The creativity and effort were truly a sight to behold.
The Pride Run’s costume contest champion wears a pair of large wings and a headpiece.The first runner-up winners in the costume contest in their good-humored demon and angel costumes.The costume contest’s second runner-up is a 10km runner who finished their race in a superhero costume.A runner brings bath time cheer to the Pride Run in this playful costume.A pair of runners donning matching banana costumes celebrate with their finisher’s medals.Friends in costume strike a pose after conquering the race with their finisher medals.
A Symbol of Inclusivity: The event was more than just a run; it was a powerful statement of support and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. With partners like ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, LoveYourselfPH, Pantay Inc., and the Metro Manila Pride Organization, the Pride Run proved to be a monumental celebration of diversity.
Over 5,000 runners take on the Pride Run.A participant waves a pride flag while holding their finisher’s medal after completing their 10km race.
A group of friends support the Pride Run by completing a race together.
Don’t Miss Out: Missed the Pride Run? Catch up on all the highlights and see why this event is the talk of the town. For more amazing events and programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
There was a time when gaming in the Philippines meant physical spaces. Arcades echoed with coin drops and machine sounds, while computer shops became temporary homes for students skipping the afternoon heat...
VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA — Former House Deputy Speaker and Philippine Air Force Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero is taking part today in the TopNewsAsia Magazine Signing at the...
VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — The Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) presented a 16-month runway of shared reforms aimed at advancing not only PhilHealth's RISE30 Mission, but...
VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — Pag-IBIG Fund, Avida Land Corp. and Amaia Land Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding to expand quality housing choices for Filipino workers under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s...
