After the pastel egg hunts and Sunday Mass selfies comes the real treat—brunch. And at SM Center Pulilan, brunch is not just a meal, it’s a whole mood. Whether you’re wrapping up a long weekend staycation or hopping back on the road for school and city life, these brunch spots offer the perfect quick-fix flavors and cozy vibes that fit Gen Z and millennial energy to a tee. Think local coffee, smart snacking, and sweet pairings that hit just right after a packed holiday.
Here are the top four brunch spots that are totally Instagram-worthy and undeniably satisfying.
Brew X Press
Born in Plaridel and brewed with heart, Brew X Press isn’t just your usual coffee stop—it’s a love letter to Bulacan. Their signature blends are rich, aromatic, and thoughtfully crafted, perfect for families needing a break or millennial barkadas on a caffeine quest.
Famous Belgian Waffle
Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and filled with everything from ham and cheese to blueberry cream cheese, Famous Belgian Waffle is the ultimate handheld brunch. Easy to eat, affordable, and nostalgic, it’s perfect for families heading back home or barkadas road-tripping back to the metro.
Gong Cha
Let’s face it: no brunch date is complete without boba. Gong Cha delivers crowd-favorite milk tea flavors with that signature chewy goodness. It’s the ideal stop for a refresh before heading back to Metro or catching up with cousins one last time.
Chaboba
Playful, fruity, and refreshingly different—Chaboba is a go-to for brunchers who want something light but exciting. Their fruit teas and colorful concoctions are perfect for sharing with the fam or updating your story with that aesthetic snacks and signature drinks.
Whether you’re a commuter, student, or just not ready to let go of vacay mode, SM Center Pulilan is your brunch base before you bounce. These quick but memorable stops are a reminder that good food, great coffee, and better company make for the best kind of Easter Sunday.
So this Easter Sunday, make one last stop worth remembering at SM Center Pulilan.
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In an age when screen time often trumps playtime, SM Center Pulilan offers a refreshing escape that brings families back to the joy of interactive fun. Here, tots can tumble, parents can play, and everyone can rediscover the wonder of imagination, and connection. From colorful inflatables to arcade thrills, these play zones promise more than just giggles—they’re gateways to learning, bonding, and priceless memories.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the most exciting kid-friendly spots at SM Center Pulilan that’ll have your little ones—and the young at heart—saying “one more time!”
Baby Play: Bounce, Crawl, Slide, Repeat!
If your tot has the energy of a tiny tornado, Baby Play is your new best friend. This vibrant amusement zone is a paradise for little movers and shakers, with inflatables, trampolines, obstacle courses, and colorful slides that keep them active and entertained for hours.
But Baby Play is more than just a space to burn off extra energy—it’s where gross motor skills are fine-tuned, creativity blooms, and friendships begin. Let your little one navigate tunnels, climb soft walls, or simply bounce to their heart’s content. It’s safe, sanitized, and built with every stage of child development in mind.
Ambika Kid’z Funbox: Play with Purpose
Calling all curious minds and tiny tinkerers—Ambika Kid’z Funbox is a wonderland of learning disguised as fun! This interactive playground was thoughtfully designed to stimulate imagination while supporting early learning milestones. Here, toys aren’t just toys—they’re tools for discovery.
From mini kitchens to ride-ons, shape sorters to creative role-play corners, each station is an opportunity for kids to enhance problem-solving skills, engage in sensory play, and make sense of the world around them—all while having a blast.
Tom’s World: The Arcade of All Ages
Ready to level up? Tom’s World is a family-favorite arcade that lights up with the sounds of laughter, friendly competition, and the ever-familiar jingle of game tickets. Here, teens, kids, and parents find their perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty in every claw machine, racing game, and dance pad.
It’s visually stimulating, filled with neon lights and pulse-pounding music, yet totally family-friendly. Whether you’re guiding your child through their first game or having a showdown at air hockey, Tom’s World turns every visit into an exciting bonding moment.
So ditch the tablets, round up the gang, and spend a day of real connection and discovery at SM Center Pulilan. Whether your little ones love to bounce, build, or beat the high score, there’s a play zone that’s just right for them—and for you. After all, the best kind of learning is the one that comes with laughter.
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Pasig — Consumers, led by the Power for People Coalition (P4P) on Tuesday trooped to the office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in Pasig City to express their displeasure at the approval of power supply agreements (PSAs) that Meralco executed with its associated generation companies (gencos), potentially driving up electricity prices and securing a monopoly for the power giant.
The ERC recently approved PSAs signed by Meralco with South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC) and Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) amounting to 1,200 megawatts (MW) each. The two companies, both of which operate gas-fired power plants, are 40% owned by Meralco in partnership with San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) and Aboitiz Power, with Meralco holding the largest stake.
“The deals that the ERC approved adds another cross to bear for consumers. Already, these power plants account for a quarter of the blended cost of generation for Meralco consumers. This means we will become more dependent on these plants, and consequently, gas, for much of the power needs of the Meralco franchise area,” said Gerry Arances, P4P Convenor.
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) released findings in February 2025 showing that Meralco’s average cost of generation from gas-fired power plants has increased 15% since the introduction of LNG.
“Our reliance on gas will definitely trigger more power rate increases, as fossil fuel prices always go up in the world market during times of uncertainty. And who pays for these price increases? Not the gencos, not Meralco, but consumers,” he added.
The energy consumer advocate also slammed the ERC’s inaction on the cross-ownership issue of Meralco with these power plants.
“This decision does not just allow higher power rates, it ensures more of the profit from these power rate hikes go to Meralco. Meralco is already breaching the limit set by EPIRA for power contracted from associated companies. Meralco is buying more than 50% of its power from companies that it also owns, a monopolistic practice that the law specifically bans, and a violation of the law that the ERC continues to ignore. With the decision, ERC has clearly disregarded its mandate to consumers,” said Arances.
Labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman amplified these concerns, demanding that the ERC uphold its mandate.
“Ang trabaho ng ERC ay bantayan ang industriya ng kuryente at protektahan ang mga konsyumer. Malinaw ‘yan sa batas. Pero binabalewala ng komisyon ang kanilang mandato at mas lalong pinapaburan ang mga higanteng kumpanya sa kuryente tulad ng Meralco. Nanawagan kami sa ERC at sa mga komisyoner nito, tama na ang pagpepenitensya sa mga konsyumer. Pag-isipan ang mga desisyon ninyo kung tunay nga bang nakatulong ito sa ordinaryong mangaggawa,” said de Guzman.
[The ERC’s job is regulate the power industry and protect consumers. That’s what the law says. But the commission is ignoring its mandate and futher favoring giant power companies like Meralco. We call on the ERC and its commissioners, do not put the burden on consumers and reflect on your decisions to see if they have truly helped ordinary Filipinos.]
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The Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System determines specific areas in the Philippines that are most likely to be affected by severe flooding. (Photo credit: Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay)
By: Eunice Jean C. Patron
The Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System determines specific areas in the Philippines that are most likely to be affected by severe flooding. (Photo credit: Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay)
The massive floods that tropical cyclones bring now demand urgent and science-based decision-making.
Considered one of the most devastating natural hazards globally, floods pose critical threats to both human life and economic stability. The Philippines is no stranger to flooding, as approximately 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) each year. According to the 2023 World Risk Index Report, the country also ranks first among those most affected by extreme weather events.
Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, a professor at the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and executive director of the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), together with scientists from the UPRI Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center and Dr. Gerry Bagtasa of the UPD-CS Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), with assistance from Dr. Bernard Alan Racoma of IESM and in partnership with the Academic Alliance for Anticipatory Action (4As), developed an impact-based flood forecasting system capable of predicting flooding in the entire Philippines. The system was funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).
The team won best innovation pitch among 64 entries nationwide in the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) Innovation Challenge. (Photo credit: Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay)
“This system can determine whether a neighborhood is likely to be affected by a major flood event 24 hours in advance,” Dr. Lagmay explained, noting that the system was able to forecast the flooding in Davao, Palawan, and Borongan this year. “When accessed on the NOAH website, areas prone to flooding due to severe weather are shown in map view or tabular format, with the number of potentially affected people listed down to barangay level.”
The tool can forecast flooding in specific areas based on accumulated rainfall forecasts (predicted total rainfall) and 100-year rain return flood hazard maps, which are maps showing areas prone to severe flooding based on historical data. By adjusting global weather models to match the country’s specific geography and weather patterns, the system releases predictions that are more accurate.
The Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System was released in 2024 and has been available for public use since then. The system empowers Filipino citizens by enabling them to validate the data it provides. “The public can contribute information through the LyfSaver app, allowing FIlipinos to report floods in their area.” Dr. Lagmay added.
Dr. Lagmay and his team also collaborated with other organizations, such as the FYT PH Media’s crowdsourcing platform, YesPinoy’s disaster response training program, and the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, as well as the Public Affairs and Information Services Department, to integrate the automated system’s features into other components of disaster risk reduction and management.
In the paper where they talked about the system, published in the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD), the scientists acknowledged that the system has achieved some level of success, it is just the beginning of a larger process. They emphasized that further development of the tool’s functions, collaborations among citizens and stakeholders, and good governance are essential for improving disaster risk reduction and management in the country.
“After winning the best innovation pitch among 64 entries nationwide in the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) Innovation Challenge, we will add more hazards such as rain-triggered landslides and possibly storm surge hazards to the forecasting system,” Dr. Lagmay shared. The PREP challenge was organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the USAID, which seeks to identify and scale innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance disaster preparedness and food security for vulnerable populations in the Philippines.
Citizens can donate to support this effort through this link.
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Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque is pushing for more Tatak Bulakenyo products into the world market by utilizing the benefits of various free trade agreements. She said this during the first leg of the ‘DTI Goes to the Regions’ Caravan held in the City of Malolos, Bulacan. (Bulacan PCEDO)
By Shane F. Velasco
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque is pushing for more Tatak Bulakenyo products into the world market by utilizing the benefits of various free trade agreements. She said this during the first leg of the ‘DTI Goes to the Regions’ Caravan held in the City of Malolos, Bulacan. (Bulacan PCEDO)
MALOLOS CITY (PIA) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque is pushing to expand the reach of Tatak Bulakenyo products to the global market by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take advantage of international trade opportunities and digital platforms.
During the inaugural leg of the ‘DTI Goes to the Regions’ Caravan held in Malolos City, Roque highlights the agency’s thrust to make locally made products more competitive and visible in the global market.
“This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s top priorities for the next three years including strengthening international trade and foreign investments, safeguarding consumer protection and fair trade, and accelerating MSME digitalization,” she stressed.
To boost global competitiveness, DTI plans to launch regular roadshows that will guide Bulakenyo MSMEs on how to maximize the benefits of various free trade agreements (FTAs).
These include the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)—the world’s largest FTA involving ASEAN members and countries such as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and India; as well as the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.
In addition, ongoing negotiations with the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aim to further broaden market access for Filipino products.
Roque also cited Bulacan’s readiness to attract more foreign investments with the recent passage of Republic Act 11999 or the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act, along with the construction of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulakan town. These are integral parts of the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, a development corridor spanning Subic Bay Freeport, Clark, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.
“These developments will open new opportunities for MSMEs to tap into bulk buyers, not just retail consumers. With digitalization, they can participate in various digital trading platforms and reach broader markets,” she explained.
Roque further encouraged MSMEs to diversify their ventures to reduce risk and build resilience.
To support this vision, she mentioned that SB Corporation, DTI’s financing arm, now offers online applications and accepts e-money accounts for small loan disbursements.
This year, SB Corp. has allocated P3 billion in loan funds for MSMEs, with P319 million already released to Bulakenyo enterprises since 2020.
Moreover, to enhance competitiveness, Roque called for more targeted mentoring, focusing on digital transformation, proper accounting, and operations management, enabling MSMEs to meet global standards.
“By strengthening MSMEs through trade access, financing, and mentorship, we are positioning Tatak Bulakenyo as a mark of world-class quality,” she concluded.(MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3 – Bulacan)
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Architect’s rendition of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulakan, Bulacan, which is expected to begin construction in 2026. (SMC Photo)
By Vinson F. Concepcion
Architect’s rendition of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulakan, Bulacan, which is expected to begin construction in 2026. (SMC Photo)
BULAKAN, Bulacan (PIA) – The construction of the terminal building for the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulakan, Bulacan is expected to begin in 2026, with approximately 80 percent of land development, particularly land piling along the Manila Bay shoreline, already completed.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced this during an inspection and project briefing conducted by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), led by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
According to Engineer Abelardo Sore Jr., DOTr project manager for NMIA, the terminal building will rise on a 2,500-hectare site, designed by San Miguel Aero City Inc. (SMAI) to include five wings and 240 boarding gates.
Once completed, the airport will be capable of handling between 35 million to 100 million passengers annually, positioning it as one of Southeast Asia’s largest air transport hubs.
Behind the terminal, plans are underway for four parallel runways, with construction on the first two scheduled to start soon.
Engineer Norberto Conti of SMAI noted that the remaining land development requires an additional 33 million cubic meters of sand to complete the reclamation works. If the timeline stays on track, the terminal construction could start in 2026, with full airport operations expected by 2028.
The NMIA project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. Under this model, the private sector, represented by San Miguel Corporation, funds, constructs, and manages the facility, which will eventually revert to government ownership upon expiration of the concession period.
San Miguel Corporation was awarded the concession by the DOTr in 2019, and subsequently secured a 50-year franchise through Republic Act 11506, passed in 2020. The airport’s total estimated cost is P735 billion, of which P536 billion has already been registered with the Board of Investments (BOI).
Complementing the airport is a network of 21 planned access roads and expressways, including the eight-kilometer spur road from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) connecting Marilao and Balagtas, as well as the Northern Access Link Expressway (NALEX), currently under construction. (MJSC/VFC, PIA Region 3 – Bulacan)
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses concern over House Bill No. 9608, which seeks to amend the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (the IPRA) by reorganizing the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (the NCIP).
If enacted into law, the bill would transfer the NCIP’s Ancestral Domains Office to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—a move that could undermine the NCIP’s core mandate and weaken its institutional capacity to protect the rights of indigenous peoples.
The CHR firmly reminds legislators and the public that the NCIP was deliberately established as an independent body, free from external influence, to ensure its ability to effectively champion the rights and welfare of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples.
On 17 January 2025, the Commission issued a position paper outlining its recommendations to strengthen the protection for the protection and fulfillment of the rights of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples, while safeguarding their autonomy and dignity.
As the country’s national human rights institution, the CHR remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of indigenous peoples and in ensuring the integrity of institutions created to protect them. We call on all stakeholders to uphold the spirit of the IPRA and to support the NCIP’s independence through collaborative initiatives that genuinely empower indigenous communities. In doing so, we take a step closer to building a just and inclusive society—one where the rights, heritage, and dignity of indigenous peoples are fully recognized and respected.
Read the full CHR Position Paper on House Bill No. 9608, titled “An Act Rationalizing the Ancestral Lands Administration and Adjudication Process Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8371, Otherwise Known as the ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997” here: bit.ly/4gWUbOs.
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As the country wrapped up its observance of National Women’s Month, experts gathered in a hybrid forum to confront an often-overlooked issue quietly reshaping the Philippine economy and family life: unpaid housework.
Held on March 27, 2025, by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) through its Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines, the knowledge-sharing forum spotlighted the invisible but mounting toll of domestic labor—especially on women.
PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy warned that unpaid caregiving continues to limit women’s career opportunities, based on her analysis of Philippine labor patterns.
“The patterns that we observed five years ago still hold in the current setting,” Bayudan-Dacuycuy revealed, demonstrating how entrenched gender roles resist progress despite changing social norms.
The housework trap
Citing labor force surveys, Bayudan-Dacuycuy revealed that married Filipino women are three to four times more likely than men to cite housework as their reason for not seeking employment.
The trend is most stark among married female spouses and remains consistent across income groups.
“Women typically outperform men in terms of [housework] hours,” she noted, emphasizing that this imbalance persists across all economic classes.
The consequences of this imbalance extend far beyond individual households. Bayudan-Dacuycuy presented startling international comparisons: South Korea with 0.8 and Japan with 1.3 fertility rates, which are considered “very low compared to the replacement rates” of these countries.
Bayudan-Dacuycuy drew a clear line between this trend and the unpaid labor expectations placed on women.
“More than half of the women preferred fewer children because they associate another child with more housework,” she said.
The Philippines’ 1.9 fertility rate—already below replacement level—suggests the nation is following its neighbors’ trajectory toward demographic crisis.
Furthermore, economic penalties compound these demographic challenges. Bayudan-Dacuycuy’s data shows married Filipino women suffer a “motherhood penalty”, earning Php 30 less daily than single women, while men enjoy a “wage premium” of Php 45 more when married.
“Firms may view the profession of training to these women as a risky investment,” she explained, describing how caregiving responsibilities limit women’s career advancement. These systemic disadvantages create ripple effects across the entire economy.
Root causes and the road ahead
The presentation identified three primary drivers of the imbalance.
First, economic specialization pressures. “The spouse that commands the higher market price will, of course, go to the marketplace and those that are not going to fetch a higher price will perhaps cut back and then do the housework,” Bayudan-Dacuycuy explained.
Second, biological assumptions position women for “light work” and men for “heavy lifting”.
Third, patriarchal social constructs preserve “the dominance of men over women”, particularly in traditional societies.
Bayudan-Dacuycuy proposed concrete policy solutions to address these interconnected crises.
For workforce participation, she advocated “enhanced work-from-home opportunities” through programs like SPARK (Strengthening the Philippine Workforce Through Adaptive and Responsive Digital Knowledge), which provides digital skills training.
She emphasized improving public services with “longer contact hours in childcare services” and more reliable mass transportation to reduce time burdens.
Importantly, she cautioned against oversimplified fixes, such as paying wages for housework—a 1970s proposal that failed to gain traction.
“There is a lack of consensus on how exactly [you are] going to provide wage… It is not a long-term empowerment,” she said.
Instead, Bayudan-Dacuycuy called for comprehensive approaches that “empower women, both men and women actually, and help them to perform both their market and non-market work.”
Looking ahead
Demographic realities add urgency to these reforms. With the Philippines projected to become an aging society by 2045, she warned of coming elder care shortages.
“The increase in caregiving demands can lead to lower labor productivity, like, for example, absenteeism, tardiness,” Bayudan-Dacuycuy explained, suggesting exploring culturally sensitive solutions like “community-based elderly home” models to address this looming crisis.
Her final message was clear: recognizing and redistributing unpaid care work is no longer just a matter of fairness—it is an economic imperative.
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One of the bravest things you can do is walk away from distractions, petty conflicts, and toxic situations. It seems simple, but leaving can feel monumental. Letting go of a negative conversation, a draining relationship, or a toxic environment can change your life. Walking away shows strength, not weakness. Instead of chaos, choose peace, well-being, and a future.
How often have you been in conversations where everyone gossips or complains about everything? No value is added in these moments. Worse, you are being sucked into negativity. I was there. It is like breathing again after a long conversation full of complaints and bad vibes. We are exhausted, and it does not add anything meaningful to our lives. Sometimes, you must step back and say, “This isn’t my fight.” I won’t use that energy.”
Then, there are pointless arguments. How often have we spent hours arguing over something that does not matter? It is like walking in circles, thinking you are progressing but exhausting yourself. Walk away from pointless drama that keeps you up at night, steals your peace, and makes you question everything. I have had many such arguments and realize how much time I wasted. Hardest part? Realizing that your opponents care more about being right than the truth.
Walk away from one-sided relationships, too. Everybody has had a friendship or relationship where neither party works hard. You give and give, but nothing is returned, like pouring water into a hole-bottomed cup. You end up with an empty heart and exhaustion. Many people stay in these relationships out of guilt, fear, or hope things will change. However, you should stop and reconsider when you are the only worker. Avoid relationships that take more than they give. You can say, “I deserve better than this.”
It is the same for toxic relationships. Being around a friend, family member, or partner who constantly criticizes you can be devastating. Imagine carrying a weight only you see. When I think about toxic relationships, a mentor told me, “You are not obligated to stay in situations that hurt you.” Toxic people lower your self-esteem, bring out your worst, and feed on your insecurities. You should leave these people not because you’re better than them but because your peace is worth more than their drama.
Many of us take peace of mind for granted until we lose it. We make decisions every day that affect our inner peace. We should leave stressful jobs, unsafe environments, and people who make us second-guess ourselves. The task is difficult but necessary. Protect your peace like your most valuable possession. The world will try to shake you, but stay calm, and nothing can touch you.
Self-worth should never be compromised, either. How often do we let others define our worth? Whether it’s a boss who takes credit for your hard work or a friend who only asks for help, we can let others’ actions define us. When you stop and think, you realize that only you can determine your worth. To avoid feeling small, you must leave situations. Know your worth, and do not let anyone take it.
Comparing ourselves to others is easy in our fast-paced, judgmental world. Social media exacerbates this, right? The highlights of others’ lives make us question ours. What happens when you stop comparing? You accept your journey, pace, and uniqueness. You realize life is not a race, and there is no point in competing. After letting go of comparison, I felt more comfortable. Trust me—it is a relief. You can live your best life without others’ approval.
Fear of failure prevents many from taking risks. Mistakes, embarrassment, and failure scare us. However, failure is part of success. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. My failures made me who I am today. Giving up fear of failure leads to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling life. The absolute failure is not trying.
Another thing to abandon is materialism. The world constantly tells us happiness comes from possessions. We work hard and accumulate stuff we don’t need, but it only provides temporary satisfaction. Having more makes us want more. Experiences, relationships, and moments that make life worthwhile bring true fulfillment, not possessions. Focusing on family, health, and personal growth revealed that the things I thought I needed were distractions.
Remember our comfort zones. Comfortable, familiar places are easy to stay in. The comfort zone never grows anything. Leveling up requires taking risks, facing challenges, and pushing yourself beyond what is easy. You grow by exploring the unknown. It scares me to leave my comfort zone, but I have learned that transformation happens in discomfort.
Recognizing when to leave is the hardest part. Life has no rulebook, and it can take years to realize we’re holding onto things that do not serve us. Letting go allows us to make room for better relationships, opportunities, and ourselves. Walking away means moving toward something better, not giving up. Holding onto our burdens will not bring us happiness. It takes courage to let go, move forward, and live your best life.
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San Enrique, Iloilo–In a milestone moment for both institutions, the CAMELEON Association, Inc., a globally supported nonprofit known for its advocacy in child protection and empowerment, officially entered into a partnership with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025, at the Faculty Conference Room of the College of Agriculture, ISUFST San Enrique Campus here. This marks the first formal collaboration with a higher education institution in CAMELEON’s 28-year-old history—making the occasion both meaningful and historic.
According to CAMELEON Executive Director Ms. Cornelia Udani, this is the first time in the association’s 28-year advocacy history that it has entered into a formal MOU with a higher education institution in the Philippines. “We wholeheartedly welcome this partnership,” she said. “It gives us hope for more meaningful projects and programs for our scholars and partner communities. We are proud to take this step with ISUFST.”
The signed MOU opens the door to meaningful collaborations in child protection, gender and development, education, health, research, and inclusive community programs. At the heart of it is a shared mission between ISUFST and CAMELEON—to uplift those often left on the margins, especially young girls and survivors of abuse.
Representing ISUFST, University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., shared that the partnership goes beyond paperwork and reflects the university’s deeper calling to live out the values of social justice. “We are a public university not just to teach but to serve—to empower lives, not just minds,” he said. “This partnership ensures that no one, especially those who need the most care, is ever left behind.”
He added, “Social justice must not remain in our mission statements—it must live in our classrooms, our programs, and how we welcome every student with compassion and care.”
Dr. Siason also directed San Enrique Campus Administrator Dr. Rex Diaz to ensure that the 40 enrolled CAMELEON scholars are fully supported in their academic and personal development. “We must make them feel seen, heard, and cared for,” he said. “Let them know they belong—not just as students, but as part of our ISUFST family.”
Key ISUFST officials from the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), Extension Services and Development (ESD), Research and Development (R&D), and Gender and Development (GAD) attended the ceremonial signing, all expressing strong support for the multi-sectoral goals outlined in the agreement.
Program Director Jomer Adolacion, Advocacy Program Associate Antoinette Acupinpin, and Officer Vivian Bravo witnessed the event from the CAMELEON side. They noted that the collaboration marks a significant opportunity to integrate academic support with psychosocial, legal, and livelihood services that CAMELEON provides to its beneficiaries.
The five-year MOU outlines collaborative efforts in research, community extension, capability building, training, and advocacy campaigns—anchored on mutual respect, shared expertise, and the common goal of transformative education. The partnership also strengthens ISUFST’s vision of a globally connected university that champions inclusive, responsive, and meaningful engagement with civil society groups. (Jan Laurence Galon and Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
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