‘Daghang Salamat sa Napulo ka Tuig:’ 

The celebrations include cultural activations, exclusive offers, and sustainability programs for the local community and even Sinulog festival attendees.

UNIQLO marks 10 years in Cebu with an exclusive UTme! Collection featuring Sinulog-inspired designs and Cebuano slang by Cebu-based artist Meream Pacayra

UNIQLO heightens the already-vibrant mood of Cebu every January as the global apparel retailer marks its 10th anniversary in the Queen City of the South this month.

Cebu City has always ushered in the new year in a riot of color, rhythm, and devotion through the Sinulog Festival, held every third Sunday of January. In 2026, the celebration takes on added meaning as UNIQLO marks a decade in Cebu—ten years in which LifeWear has woven itself into the everyday lives of Cebuanos, from festivities to daily routines.

Over the past ten years, UNIQLO has grown alongside Cebu, adapting to the city’s evolving pace and lifestyle while offering LifeWear clothing defined by function, quality, and timeless design. From its first store in SM City Cebu, the brand has expanded its presence across the city, now serving a larger community through five branches in SM Seaside Cebu, SM City J Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, and Ayala Central Bloc—reflecting a shared journey of growth, movement, and modern living.

Each store joins the brand’s 10th-year celebrations in Cebu. The local community and Sinulog festival attendees can look forward to lots of cultural activations, exclusive offers, and sustainability programs.

Last December 2025, UNIQLO Local Celebrity Partners Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo, together with UNIQLO leaders and partners, helped distribute 4,000 AIRism and pre-loved RE.UNIQLO items to over 50

Supporting the Needs of the Cebuano Community

As a committed member of the community, UNIQLO ensures that it celebrates with the greater good in mind. Last 2025 was tough for a lot Cebuanos, who dealt with various calamities, and UNIQLO stepped up to help the affected families with a series of donations. In September, UNIQLO handed out 4,000 AIRism items to communities affected in the areas of Bogo City, in partnership with SM Foundation. Hygiene kits were also donated to over 800 people. Meanwhile, 5,500 AIRism items were given to communities affected by Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino in Cebu, Bacolod, and Aurora. UNIQLO also looked after its 300 Cebu-based employees who were affected by the natural disasters, extending aid to their families as well. Then, in December, around 4,000 pieces of AIRism and pre-loved UNIQLO items from the RE.UNIQLO initiative were donated to over 500 beneficiaries in Talisay.

UNIQLO marks 10 years in Cebu with an exclusive UTme! Collection featuring Sinulog-inspired designs and Cebuano slang by Cebu-based artist Meream Pacayra.

Exclusive UTme! Collection Launching on January 12

UNIQLO says “Daghang Salamat” to Cebu for the 10 years with the launch of an exclusive UTme! Collection celebrating the local community. Designed by Cebu-based painter and illustrator Meream Pacayra, the designs feature iconic everyday Cebuano slang and scenes from the vibrant Sinulog Festival. The exclusive UTme! Collection drops on January 12.

Plenty of 10th-Anniversary Promotions and Activities Limited Offers

As part of its 10th anniversary festivities, customers can enjoy limited offers from January 16 to 22, with select items available at a limited-offer price, exclusive to UNIQLO Cebu stores. There will be special novelty and partner promotions as well. For every P3,000 single-receipt purchase from any UNIQLO Cebu store from January 16 to 18, shoppers get a free UNIQLO luggage tag. They must scan their UNIQLO App upon checkout to avail of the promotion.

Early birds also get rewarded as the first 100 customers who visit any of the UNIQLO Cebu stores are entitled to one free plain croissant and a P200 discount gift card from The Abaca Group, with no purchase required. UNIQLO app members are also entitled to join the App Scan Raffle, simply by having a single-receipt purchase of any amount in UNIQLO Cebu stores from January 16 to 18, 2026. To join, they must scan their UNIQLO App upon purchase. Up for grabs is a free overnight stay for two at The Reef Island Resort Mactan’s Deluxe Room, a free PhP 2,000 Maya E-Gift Certificate or a free weekend brunch for two at Abaca Baking Company – All Day Dining (Citadines Cebu).

Special Store Activities for UNIQLO App Members

UNIQLO App Members can also enjoy several special activities at UNIQLO Cebu stores from January 16-18. They can capture precious moments at the free photobooth service and express themselves with wet tattoo stickers.

Cebu continues to develop as a regional hub with thriving industries and talented people. As UNIQLO marks 10 years in Central Visayas, there is also a great opportunity for the brand to grow alongside the community, and for LifeWear to become an even-more integral part of Cebuanos’ lives. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.

Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, once again raises the bar in brand storytelling with its newest campaign, “Tatak ng Tapang, Tatak Ginebra,” a powerful evolution of its long-standing celebration of Filipino courage. This time, the spotlight is on real people—four personalities whose strength is etched not in fiction, but in the very scars they carry on their bodies. 

According to Sales and Marketing Manager Allan Mercado, the campaign, which was launched digitally on December 31 to usher in the new year, marks a meaningful shift. “This is different from the past. We are honoring actual people—ordinary individuals whose stories our consumers can truly relate to. Our hope is that they inspire others through their authenticity and relatability to pursue their dreams, no matter how big on ambiguous.  

From Conceptual Bayani to Real-Life Heroes 

For years, Ginebra San Miguel has been synonymous with courage, resilience, and the “never-say-die” spirit. In 2025, our campaign celebrated the idea of the kabayani—teachers, jeepney drivers, nurses, and ordinary workers whose quiet heroism defined modern/ everyday bayanihan. 

“The concept of the “bayani” was born during the pandemic, when heroism took on new meaning. Today, we move toward real-life heroes—people who have actual battle scars to show. These are everyday heroes in their own fields, whose grit and discipline prove what true tapang looks like,” says Marketing Manager Ron Molina. 

These scars—visible on the hands, feet, and faces of mountaineer and Mt. Everest conqueror Miguel Mapalad, visual artist Auggie Fontanilla, PBA top draft pick Sonny Estil, and billiards champion Chezka Centeno—are not hidden. They are worn proudly, like badges of honor. For Ginebra San Miguel, these marks are the true “Tatak ng Tapang,” proof of battles fought, endured, overcome and won.  

‘Lahat Tayo May Tatak ng Tapang’ 

At the heart of the campaign is a universal truth: everyone faces battles in life. Each of us has our own struggles, our own challenges. Yet, within each of us lies courage—the courage to confront obstacles, fight for what matters, and pursue our dreams—for our families, for ourselves, and for our nation. 

“This is the kind of courage that never retreats and never gives up, no matter the challenge. It is the courage that pushes us to persevere until we achieve our goals,” says Ron. “Yan ang Tatak ng Tapang. Yan ang Tatak Ginebra.” 

Who else could personify the “tatak ng tapang” than Miguel Mapalad, as he conquered the cold, exhaustion, and dangers to reach the top of the world. His dream: to become one of the Filipinos to summit Mount Everest. Years of rigorous training across the globe tested his limits, but his courage never wavered. 

“Reaching the peak of the Philippines and other mountains in the world was not enough— Mount Everest was my ultimate goal. Every step, every pull, every push, even in the face of pain, left the mark of courage imprinted on me until I finally stood on top of the world,” says Miguel, as he proudly showed a photo of Ginebra San Miguel at the base camp, which he enjoyed to keep warm and shared with other mountaineers.  

For Auggie, his “tatak ng tapang” can be seen in the streets of Manila. Once working in the publishing industry, he chose to leave it behind to follow the passionate call of his art as a graffiti artist. By day, he hustled to make a living; by night, he painted the city’s walls. Earnings were small, but he never gave up. Over time, his works gained recognition, and today he is a lead artist at The Clothing and the Pilipinas Street Plan Collective. Auggie’s murals are more than art—they are statements of courage, painted day and night. 

Seeing PBA player Sonny Estil earn scores for the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, one will not imagine how he began: at the start, he was only lent shoes that didn’t fit; today, he is a first-round draft pick. 

Growing up in hardship, working as a farmer and a carpenter, Sonny played in local leagues with lent shoes that were tight and painful. Yet he endured the pain, training every day until he made the game-winning shot at the Draft Combine. Now, as a first-round pick for Barangay Ginebra, Sonny carries the mark of courage in every step he takes on the PBA court. 

Eye on the ball, eye on the prize. This is also the same “tatak ng tapang” with Chezka Centeno, world 10-Ball champion billiards player. Chezka learned to play billiards at a young age in modest bars and halls in Zamboanga, where she was the only female playing against the men. Despite numerous losses, she never lost hope. Through relentless practice and determination, she won one pool battle after another, rising to international competitions. In 2025, she was crowned the WPA Women’s World 10-Ball Champion, using billiards not only for her personal success but also to lift her family from poverty. Today, with “Tatak ng Tapang,” the ball is in her hand, and the world is her pool. 

A Truly Filipino Brand 

“We celebrate courage in its most authentic form—Miguel, Auggie, Sonny, and Chezka are not celebrities or from well-off families, but they have shown what Tatak ng Tapang is all about—that when they face life’s challenges head-on, persevere against all odds, and inspire others through their strength, grit, and never-say-die spirit, they become real-life heroes,” says Group Product Manager Paolo Jose Tupaz.  

Through “Tatak ng Tapang, Tatak Ginebra,” the brand continues its legacy of honoring courage—this time, through real faces, real scars, and real stories.

Additional 30,000 sqm of leasable spaces to open in McKinley West, Makati, Alabang West, and Boracay Newcoast

Property giant Megaworld, through its retail and commercial arm Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, is expanding its commercial retail portfolio by more than 30,000 square meters in response to strong demand for premium commercial spaces in key growth areas, especially in Megaworld townships.

Set to open this year are malls and commercial projects at McKinley West in Taguig, Makati, Alabang West in Las Piñas City, and Boracay Newcoast in Aklan. These new retail developments will keep Megaworld firmly on track to meet its target of one million square meters of gross leasable area by 2030.

Among the upcoming projects include The Shoppes at Park McKinley West, a two-story retail hub at the podium of the Park McKinley West condominium complex. It will be highlighted by a curated mix of international retailers, first-in-the-Philippines concepts, and homegrown dining and lifestyle brands such as Ogawa Traditional Japanese Restaurant, Tartufo, Royal Indian Curry House, One World Deli, George & Onnie’s, Café 17, Nightshade Cocktails & Bar, Hanamaruken, and Yakinuku Sudaku, among others.

Another lifestyle mall will also be opened at Vion Tower along EDSA corner Chino Roces Avenue in Makati, while additional retail areas will be opening soon at Alabang West in Las Piñas City.

At Boracay Newcoast, the company is also opening its Newcoast Beachwalk with an exciting mix of dining, retail, and services concepts that cater to the tourists visiting the island.

“We are growing our leasing business by bringing our signature lifestyle mall concept to more locations while introducing new experiences that resonate with today’s consumers. This approach allows us to drive sustained growth for Megaworld and, at the same time, enhance the value of our townships nationwide,” said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls posted Php 3.33 billion in leasing revenues during the first half of 2025, up 10 percent year-on-year, supported by higher consumer foot traffic and strong leasing demand from premium tenants. 

Earlier this year, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls also announced it has expanded its retail spaces at Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila to 36,000 square meters of gross leasable area with the opening of the Imperial Wing

To mark a decade of UNIQLO in Cebu, the brand brings the Heart of LifeWear to Talisay City through a donation drive in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation. Held as a prelude to UNIQLO Cebu’s 10th anniversary in January 2026, the activity supported 500 Cebuanos affected and displaced by recent calamities with the distribution of 3,000 AIRism shirts and 4,000 pre-loved RE.UNIQLO clothing items. 

UNIQLO Local Celebrity Partners Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli assist in distributing items to the community

UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia alongside UNIQLO Local Celebrity Partners Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli assist in distributing items to the community.

UNIQLO Local Celebrity Partners Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo together with UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia and Marketing Director Jan Jizelle Ang show off the Heart of LifeWear wall which displays messages of hope from the community

UNIQLO Local Celebrity Partners Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo together with UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia and Marketing Director Jan Jizelle Ang show off the Heart of LifeWear wall which displays messages of hope from the community.

UNIQLO leaders, partners, and staff stand together in white shirts as a symbol of comfort, dignity, and shared humanity, handing out LifeWear items to Cebuanos in need.

Paper hearts filled with messages of hope are written and placed on the Heart of LifeWear wall by children and community members

UNIQLO store staff leave handwritten notes filled with hope and encouragement for the community.

In moments of loss and disruption, these pieces offer more than comfort—they help restore dignity, confidence, and a sense of normalcy. This initiative reflects UNIQLO’s belief in the Power of Clothing, where simple, everyday wear becomes a meaningful way to support communities and make life a little better, one person at a time. 

Built for the biggest handaan—chairs that hold every story and every guest.

The holiday season is just around the corner, which for every Filipino means an open invitation to family reunions and barkada gatherings that fill the table from Noche Buena to Media Noche. Apart from a feast of colorful and delicious food, a party is never complete without the comfort of seats for everyone.

Uratex Monoblock William Folding Table

Whether you’re planning a quiet family dinner or a full-blown celebration where the cousins compete in musical chairs, Uratex Monoblock is stepping in with a gentle yet firm reminder: a house packed with guests and loved ones deserves safe, strong, and functional seating you can truly depend on.

Built for Every Handaan: The Uratex Monoblock Standard

Every Filipino gathering is a high-stress test for furniture,from the weight of a holiday feast to the vigorous swapping of chairs during parlor games. Fortunately, Uratex Monoblock ensures that strength and safety are non-negotiable.

Proudly standing as the only local plastic furniture line with a Level 5 certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)—the highest plastic furniture standard in the country—each Uratex Monoblock product is rigorously tested to withstand up to 200 kilograms. This gives every host peace of mind, knowing their furniture is as resilient as the Filipino spirit itself.

Uratex Monoblock continues to lead the game in the furniture industry, ready to anchor your holiday gatherings with a versatile suite of products that combine space-smart design, durability, and modern aesthetics:

• Classic 101: The iconic, stackable foundation of every Filipino handaan—strong enough to handle both guests and holiday feast indulgence.

• 1201 Square Table: A robust and steady surface that anchors every gathering, built to handle the heartiest feasts and the happiest celebrations.

• Aiko Folding Chair: The space-saving hero for surprise guests—folds flat when the party’s over but never “marupok” when sat on.

• William Folding Table: The versatile champion that transforms from buffet table to karaoke playlist holder, folding away easily without losing its strength.

“As Filipinos, we love bringing people together, and that’s what the holidays are truly about,” said Dindo Medina, Business Unit Director of Uratex Monoblock. “With Uratex Monoblock, we want every host to feel confident that their furniture can handle it all—no worries, no breaks, just lasting comfort and joy. Our goal has always been to give Filipino families a strong and stylish foundation for every gathering, big or small.”

For Filipino homes preparing for the joyful chaos of the holidays, Uratex Monoblock is the clear choice for a worry-free Pasko. The brand’s philosophy, #BawalAngMarupok, is more than just a  promise of strength and durability—it’s a commitment to stress-free, laughter-filled celebrations with furniture that’s as dependable as the Filipino spirit.

With Uratex Monoblock’s functional, stackable, and sturdy furniture pieces, families can focus on what truly matters—cherished moments and festive cheer—knowing their furniture is built strong, safe, and ready to handle the full, wonderful chaos of a Filipino Christmas.

All claims in the press release have been verified as true by the Ad Standards Council, ASC REF NO. M0177N052625U.